Illinois beats Minnesota 35-32

By Shannon Ryan

MINNEAPOLIS -- Why would anyone think anything could come easily for the Illini this season?

After appearing to cruise to a victory against Minnesota, the Illini needed everything it could muster in the remaining minutes to pull out a 35-32 victory.

This was the first back-to-back conference victories for the Illini since the end of the 2007 season, when Illinois defeated Ohio State and Northwestern to earn an appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Minnesota cut the Illini's 21-point lead down to 28-25 with 9 minutes 13 seconds remaining.

The Gophers scored on a three-yard run by Jon Hoese and Weber connected on the two-point conversion pass to Da'Jon McKinght.

But Illinois drove 60 yards for a 4-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Jacob Charest to Arrelious Benn for a 35-25 lead.

Cooper blocked a punt by Illinois and Minnesota's Ben Kuznia ran the ball in to cut Illinois' lead 35-32 with 3:05 remaining.

Eddie McGee stiff-arms Minnesota's Marcus Sherels on a 38-yard catch and run during the second half. (AP / Paul Battaglia)