Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota Picks and Predictions for Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 08/31/2026, 10:57 PM ET

Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota Game Information

The Eastern Illinois Panthers will play their second road game of the season Thursday night inside Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN, at 8:00 PM against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Eastern Illinois comes into Thursday undefeated this season following a 14-point victory last week against Murray State. Minnesota comes into this season with high hopes after an 8-win campaign last year ended with a 3-point overtime victory against New Mexico in the Rate Bowl the day after Christmas. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.

Eastern Illinois Preview

Eastern Illinois was the better team offensively last week, compiling 368 yards resulting in 28 points. Defensively, Eastern Illinois did its job, giving up 14 points on 320 yards and forcing 2 turnovers. Cole CaCrue led the Eastern Illinois offense last week, completing 11 passes for 101 yards and 1 score and ran the ball 10 times for 18 yards. Charles Kellom led all ball carriers in the game with 171 yards and 3 scores on 19 carries. Samuel Gonzalez chipped in heavily with 50 yards on 3 receptions, and Landers Green added 2 catches for 23 yards and 1 score.

Minnesota Preview

Sophomore Drake Lindsey returns this season for Minnesota and will again be under center for the Golden Gophers. Last year, Lindsey led the team with 2382 yards and 18 scores on 246 completions. Darius Taylor returns this season after 670 yards and 4 scores on 143 carries last year, while Grant Washington will see his usage go up this season after compiling 132 yards on 21 carries last year. Javon Tracy is the top receiver returning this season for Minnesota after 454 yards and 6 scores on 37 catches last year.

Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota Pick

Minnesota is the far better team in this matchup, and it will show from the opening minutes Thursday night. Look for the Golden Gophers to dominate this game start to finish on both sides of the ball, as they kick off 2026 with a loud statement. Take Minnesota Thursday night to do the job as they get an easy win and cover at home against Eastern Illinois.

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