Short- handed — and it shows
Gophers’ Ibrahim rambles for 4 TDs vs. depleted Illini
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois needs reinforcements — and soon.
For the second consecutive week, the Illini played short- handed because of the Big Ten’s coronavirus protocols. But after hanging tough in a loss last week to Purdue, they were blown out 41- 14 on Saturday by Minnesota at Memorial Stadium.
The primary reason for Illinois’ loss was its inability to contain Golden Gophers running back Mohamed Ibrahim, who rushed for 224 yards and four touchdowns. All told, Minnesota amassed 556 yards of offense — 325 of them on the ground.
‘‘ This was beyond disappointing,’’ Illini coach Lovie Smith said. ‘‘ It just came down to them being more physical than us on both sides of the ball.’’
Illinois ( 0- 3, 0- 3 Big Ten) had 12 players out because of COVID- 19 protocols and was down to fourthstring quarterback Coran Taylor. Starter Brandon Peters and backup Isaiah Washington were out because of the protocols, and thirdstringer Matt Robinson remained unavailable after suffering a leg injury early in the game last week against Purdue.
Taylor struggled, completing only six of his 17 passes for 106 yards. He suffered what appeared to be an injury to his right ( throwing) hand early in the second half but remained in the game despite obvious difficulties.
Nearly half of Taylor’s passing yardage came on a 52- yard touchdown to receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe early in the fourth quarter, but the Illini trailed 35- 7 at the time.
One bright spot for Illinois was often- injured running back Mike Epstein, who ran for 108 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. It was his first 100- yard rushing game since 2018.
‘‘ It feels good,’’ Epstein said. ‘‘ Although not much feels so good right now after this game.’’
While the Illini struggled offensively, Minnesota ( 1- 2, 1- 2) had a field day behind Ibrahim, who turned in his second consecutive game with more than 200 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
‘‘ I think he’s one of the most special backs in America, and when you see him walking down the street, who would think he’s a Big Ten running back?’’ Gophers coach P. J. Fleck said. ‘‘ He’s not the biggest. He’s not the strongest. He’s not the fastest. But he’s got incredible vision.’’
And the success of Minnesota’s running game helped quarterback Trevor Morgan, who passed for 231 yards and a touchdown against Illinois’ depleted secondary.
Illini safety Derrick Smith was ejected in the second quarter because of a targeting penalty out of bounds, further weakening the secondary, which already was playing without starters Nate Hobbs and Marquez Beason because of COVID- 19 protocols.