Illinois +17 at South Florida
I give you a Friday game this week which will allow you to play with reckless abandon on Saturday after it wins.
I know what you are saying: fit this guy for a straight jacket. The Illini haven't won an OOC road game in years. They haven't beaten a ranked opponent in forever. Now you expect them to do both in one night on a nationally televised game no less? The answer is yes, kind of. They don't have to beat them, just stay within 17. Illini defense is starting to show Lovie Smith's influence, which is pretty strong on that side of the ball. They shut down a nice WKU offense on the ground last week. USF has been underwhelming on offense, despite being talented. I think the Illini keep them having difficulties enough to make this a game.
I give you a Friday game this week which will allow you to play with reckless abandon on Saturday after it wins.
I know what you are saying: fit this guy for a straight jacket. The Illini haven't won an OOC road game in years. They haven't beaten a ranked opponent in forever. Now you expect them to do both in one night on a nationally televised game no less? The answer is yes, kind of. They don't have to beat them, just stay within 17. Illini defense is starting to show Lovie Smith's influence, which is pretty strong on that side of the ball. They shut down a nice WKU offense on the ground last week. USF has been underwhelming on offense, despite being talented. I think the Illini keep them having difficulties enough to make this a game.
