Brown’s 180 yards, defense carry No. 24 Illini past Gophers

Chase Brown rushed for 180 yards on a career-high 41 carries and caught a 40-yard touchdown pass and No. 24 Illinois won its fifth straight game with a 26-14 victory over Minnesota.

The Illini improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten and are bowl eligible for the first time since 2019. Mohamed Ibrahim rushed for 127 yards for his nation-leading 14th straight 100-yard game.

The Gophers’ 180 total yards were the fewest against Illinois by an FBS opponent since at least 2000.

Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan left the game after taking a hit to the head.