Although Juice Williams was able to pass for over 450 yards and rush for 41, Minnesota was able to keep Illinois out of the end zone for three quarters and build a 14-6 lead. Actually, Minnesota took a 20-6 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Then Illinois came storming back with two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. Sandwiched in between those two touchdowns, Minnesota sacked Juice Williams at the Illini nine yard line resulting in a fumble that was returned by Simoni Lawrence for a touchdown. That was the game winner that gave Minnesota a 27-20 lead and a 6-1 record. Yup, I just said that. Minnesota, a team that went 1-11 last year is one loss out of the Big 10 lead. With Penn State not on the schedule, and four out of their last five games against teams with worse records, Minnesota could actually be in position to via for a Big 10 title. No, seriously! With home games remaining against Northwestern, Michigan, and Iowa and road games against Purdue and Wisconsin it is entirely possible that Minnesota could run the table. Crazier things have happened.
