MINNESOTA AT ILLINOIS

The facts: 11 a. m., BTN, 670- AM.

The records: Minnesota 5- 2, 2- 2 Big Ten; Illinois 2- 5, 1- 3. The line: Gophers by 9.

The story line: The team with the better running game probably will take this game. The Gophers have been highly productive with Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. The Illini have a game- breaker in Kendrick Foster and other options. This is winnable for Lovie Smith’s team — which could use a shot in the arm — but the defense has to quicken its pulse. Quarterback play remains a huge question mark for the Illini. Greenberg’s pick: Minnesota, 30- 23.