Minnesota will try to become bowl eligible when it hosts Illinois in a Big Ten Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis.

The Golden Gophers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) are looking for their third win in a row after knocking off then-No. 24 Iowa and Michigan State in their two most recent games. They sit in a four-way tie for first place in the West Division along with Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

Illinois (3-5, 1-4) is coming off a bye as it prepares to travel north. The Fighting Illini have lost three of their last four games, including a brutal 25-21 loss to Wisconsin in their most recent contest that included an 18-point fourth-quarter comeback by the Badgers.

Bielema is 9-0 all-time against the Golden Gophers, including 2-0 since he took over at Illinois in 2021. The Fighting Illini have not won three games in a row against Minnesota since 1993-95.

Instead of speaking about his success against the program, Bielema instead focused on Minnesota's strengths.

Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has completed 54.6 percent of his passes for 1,123 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. His top target is wideout Daniel Jackson, who has 36 catches for 507 yards and six touchdowns.

On the ground, Minnesota running back Darius Taylor leads the team with 591 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He is averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

Meanwhile, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 1,671 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Speedy wide receiver Isaiah Williams has a team-high 46 receptions for 562 yards and one score.

Kaden Feagin is Illinois' top rusher with 329 yards and two touchdowns. The 250-pound running back is averaging 4.9 yards per carry.