Where >> Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill.

TV >> FS1

Radio >> KFXN-FM, 100.3

Weather >> 47 degrees, cloudy, 8 mph east wind

Betting spread >> Gophers, minus-3

Records >> The Gophers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) extended their winning streak to three games with a 48-23 win over Maryland last Saturday. The Illini (6-2, 3-2) got blown out 38-9 to No. 1 Oregon in Eugene last weekend. Their only other loss was to now-No. 3 Penn State, 21-7, on Sept. 28.

History >> Last year, Minnesota had won two straight and were on the verge of a third before Illinois scored the game-winning touchdown on a 46-yard touchdown pass with 50 seconds left for a 27-26 win at Huntington Bank Stadium. The U would go on to lose four straight to end the regular season. The U leads the overall series 40-33-3.

Big question >> Can the Gophers solve the Bret Bielema dilemma? He is 10-0 against Minnesota as a head coach — 3-0 at Illinois and 7-0 during his time at Wisconsin (2006-12). U coach P.J. Fleck has dropped three straight to Illinois; he was 3-1 against the Illini before Bielema.

Key matchup >> Gophers QB Max Brosmer vs. Illini QB Luke Altmyer. Which signal caller plays better will be a bellwether for their team’s chances. Brosmer was Big Ten offensive player of the week, completing 80% for 320 yards, four touchdowns and no turnovers against the Terrapins, while Altmyer completed 48% for 161 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions against the Ducks.

Who has the edge?

Gophers offense vs. Illinois defense >> “No. 1 (Illinois) makes everything look the same,” Brosmer said. “They do a really good job of disguising defense. It’s fun because they really challenge you post-snap, and that is something that is unique: an NFL-style defense.” Brosmer said the key is finding the tips the Illini might show. In Big Ten play, he done a nice job of diagnosing what defenses have been giving him and he hasn’t thrown an INT since the first half of the Michigan loss — 3 1/2 games ago. But Illinois is 30th in the nation with nine picks in eight games. … Three Illinois CBs were hurt against Oregon, but Bielema seemed to indicate they would be available against Minnesota. … CB Xavier Scott is the Illini’s top-graded coverage player but he has still allowed three passing touchdowns. … The U hasn’t run the ball nearly as well as years past, but the Illini are nowhere near as stout at DT as last year with Jer’zhan Newton and Keith Randolph. Illinois is second-worst in Big Ten games in rush yards allowed (173 per game). While the Illini have only lost to Top 3 teams this season, they also have two narrow overtime wins over middle-of-the-pack Nebraska and lowly Purdue. EDGE: Gophers

Gophers defense vs. Illinois offense >> “(Altmyer) puts them in all the right spots,” DC Corey Hetherman said. “Especially the Michigan game, the one that clicks to me. He extends plays, he moves the pocket, sometimes it’s with his legs getting 10 or 12 (yards). … I think the quarterback makes the whole thing go.” Altmyer has gained 304 yards on the ground this season (before factoring in sacks). … Leading receiver Pat Bryant has been in concussion protocol this week after a big hit against Oregon, but Bielema sounded optimistic he would be able to play Saturday. The 6-foot-3 target is averaging 15 yards per grab and has seven touchdowns. Zakhari Franklin, a transfer from Texas-San Antonio and Mississippi, has emerged as a quality No. 2 option. … CBs Justin Walley and Ethan Robinson have proven they are up to the task against top WRs in the conference. … Fleck revealed Walley is playing with a partially torn MCL, which sidelined the senior for two games earlier this year. Walley had his first career pick-six against Maryland last week. … Top tailback Kaden Feagin (hip) is out for the season and they have turned to a trio of backups to fill the role. EDGE: Gophers

Special teams >> PR Koi Perich is averaging 14.2 yards per punt return, which is second in the Big Ten to Illinois’ Hank Beatty’s 16.6. K Dragan Kesich made two field goals from 40 and 34 yards, to give him a needed confidence boost. K David Olano has made 13 of 16 this year, with a long of 50 and one blocked. EDGE: Illinois

Prediction >> The Gophers passing game is humming and should have success in the run game against Illinois. The U is healthier and Illinois just doesn’t feel like a legit Top-25 team. Gophers, 31-24.

— Andy Greder