Illini likely to run wild against Minnesota

The skinny: In last week's 38-13 win over Michigan, Illinois' offense reinvented itself as the run-heavy team that paved the way to the Rose Bowl two years ago. With Juice Williams (21 carries, 97 yards) running more option and keepers than any time this year, the Illini nearly had three 100-yard rushers in the same game for the first time in school annals. Since the Gophers have one of the nation's worst rushing defenses (171.9 ypg), look for the Illini to pound sophomores Mikel Leshoure (350 yards the last three weeks) and Jason Ford (128 yards last week) until Minnesota proves it can slow them down.

Willhite