Illinois vs. Minnesota College Football: Everything You Need To Know

CHAMPAIGN, IL - Neither Illinois nor visiting Minnesota enjoyed stellar weeks Saturday. The Illini, in particular, were outclassed by Michigan 41-8, while the Golden Gophers barely defeated a putrid Rutgers team 34-32.

Illinois seemingly ushered in a new era against the Wolverines as the Illini started quarterback Jeff George Jr., son of Illinois legend Jeff George in place of injured QB Wes Lunt. George Jr. didn’t enjoy a resounding debut though, as he failed to complete a pass in the first half and only completed 4 of 15 passes for the game for 95 yards. He also threw a touchdown and an interception. On the ground, the Illini also managed only 77 yards rushing on 23 attempts.

Minnesota’s win over the Scarlet Knights wasn’t much more impressive than Illinois’ loss as the Gophers needed a late field goal to beat a team that had lost its last three games by an aggregate score of 160- 7. Minnesota was effective on the ground, carrying the ball 53 times for 243 yards and three scores, led by Rodney Smith’s 111 yards and a touchdown. While Minnesota may have been guilty of overlooking Rutgers, the Gophers will almost certainly bring a better effort to Champaign, which will be problematic for the Illini.

Kickoff time: 11 a.m. CT
TV and radio: Big Ten Network, Local listings
Point spread: There is no line according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Illinois football website.

Parking
A parking map can be found at the University of Illinois website.
Parking Lot Fees
Many lots are pass only lots. There are some lots available for game day purchase. These lots are Lot 44, 49 and the lots in Research Park. Parking fees for these lots are $20 per automobile. Automobiles with pull behinds are only allowed in Lot 49 for $40. Recreational vehicles/motor homes may park in Lot 33 for $40. Buses may park on Pennsylvania Avenue for $50.
Hours
Parking lots are open to patrons starting at 7 am and remain open until 10 p.m. on game days. Parking lot opening times will vary for the Friday night game.
Parking and ADA Shuttle Lot
A limited number of handicapped parking spaces, including van accessible spaces, are provided in three quadrants of the State Farm Center. An ADA Shuttle Lot is also located in Research Park in the Yahoo Parking Lot off of First Street. An ADA accessible bus will provide transportation from this lot to the stadium prior to the game and after the game. The fee for all ADA parking is $20 unless you have an I FUND parking pass. A disabled license plate or handicap placard is required to park in these spaces. Use of a disabled plate or placard without presence of a disabled person in the vehicle is a violation of the State motor vehicle code.
Road Construction Updates
The MCORE project located in the heart of Campustown will expand mobility choices and increase user access along five core transit corridors in the University District. This project will begin in the Fall of 2016 and be completed in the Winter of 2019. For updates on the project and how this may impact traffic patterns on game day please visit mcoreproject.com and fightingillini.com.
Street Closures
First Street, between Kirby Avenue and Stadium Drive, will be closed starting at 6:00 a.m. each game day for Fighting Illini Street Fest. Only patrons with a Lot 36 or 37 parking pass will be allowed to enter from the north on First Street prior to the game. After the game, First Street will become one way going north, between Kirby Avenue and Green Street. Kirby Avenue, between First Street and Fourth Street, and Peabody Drive, between First Street and Fourth Street, will also be closed starting at 6 a.m. each game day until the completion of the game.