By IlliniGuys Staff

November 2, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Dragon Kesich hit four field goals as Minnesota upset 24th ranked Illinois 25-17 Saturday afternoon.

It's the second loss in a row for the Illini (6-3, 3-3) and their first loss at home in six games as they will drop out of the top 25 this week.

The Illini were down 13-10 at halftime, but took a 17-16 lead when Luke Altmyer connected with Zakhari Franklin on a 21-yard scoring strike early in the fourth quarter.

But Minnesota answered in the next series on a Max Brosmer to Jameson Geers one yard touchdown touchdown pass with 5:04 remaining, but the two-point conversion failed. Kasich's final field goal added to the lead.

Illinois had a chance to tie it, but Altmyer coughed up his second fumble of the game in the final minute and the Gophers (6-3, 4-2) were able to run out the clock.

It's the first time Bret Bielema has lost to Minnesota in 11 meetings as a coach and is now 3-1 against the Gophers with the Illini.

Illinois will host Michigan State next Saturday in their final home game this season

Stay with IlliniGuys.com for complete postgame coverage.