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PGA Golf

Free PGA Picks: 2015 John Deere Classic Golf Betting Preview

This Week’s PGA Tour Predictions!

The PGA pros head to Illinois this week for the 2015 John Deere Classic – another one of the easier stops on TOUR. In fact this event was the second easiest par 71 that the pros played last year – the cut was minus 4!

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NCAA Football

Week 12 Ohio St. vs. Illinois Betting Odds & Free Pick

Buckeyes vs Fighting Illini College Football Lines

The Ohio State Buckeyes look to remain undefeated and keep the longest current winning streak in college football (21 wins a row) alive as they face the Fighting Illini.

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NCAA Football

Spartans vs. Illini Gambling Prediction & Week 9 Preview

Michigan St vs Illinois College Football Spread/Handicapping

The Michigan State Spartans and their top flight defense might be all that is standing between Ohio State and a trip to the BCS Championship (I really hope not). It looks like MSU is going to be the top challenger in the Legends division but because they are so weak on offense nothing is guaranteed for this group.

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Sports

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Week 8 Betting Predictions & Preview

Wisconsin vs. Illinois NCAA Football Odds

The Wisconsin Badgers are currently ranked No. 25 entering their matchup with the Illinois Fighting Illini. Wisconsin is coming off of a 35-6 beatdown of the then-No. 19 Northwestern Wildcats, while Illinois is dealing with a 39-19 loss to Nebraska in its rearview mirror.

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NCAAB

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Miami Hurricanes Odds & Free NCAA Tourney Pick

Illinois vs Miami March Madness Betting!

Illinois did not end the season well losing 3 of their last 4 games, but they beat Colorado in their opening Big Dance game. NCAAB lines have Miami as 7.5-point favorites with a total of 128.5.

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NCAAB

Indiana Hoosiers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Gambling Odds & NCAAB Free Pick

Indiana vs Illinois Betting!

Indiana regained the #1 ranking in the nation with their last game where they knocked Michigan from the top spot.

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NCAAB

(18) Gonzaga vs. Illinois CBB Gambling Free Picks & Preview

NCAA Basketball Betting – Bulldogs vs Fighting Illini

The No. 18 Gonzaga Bulldogs remain undefeated with their blowout win over Notre Dame on Wednesday, and will now set their sights on Illinois who is rolling after beating Maryland on the road their last time out.

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NCAAB

Illinois vs Maryland Free NCAAB Predictions | Betting Preview

NCAA Men’s Basketball Previews – Illinois Fighting Illini vs Maryland Terrapins

The Big Ten’s Illinois Fighting Illini will look to remain undefeated on the year when they clash with the Maryland Terrapins, out of the ACC this Tuesday night in College Park.

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NCAA Football

Week 12: Wisconsin vs. Illinois Preview & Free Pick

Wisconsin vs. Illinois

Remember when Illinois started 6-0 this season? It’s difficult to remember for Illinois fans, since they have lost four straight to fall to 6-4. The road doesn’t get any easier as the Fighting Illini host Wisconsin this weekend.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Ron Zook will be back on the hot seat quickly if the Fighting Illini can’t finish strong this year. Bret Bielema and the Badgers need to keep winning to have a chance to win the Big Ten Leaders Division.

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Memorial Stadium
Saturday November 26, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Wisconsin (-600) Illinois (+450)
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -14 (-110) Illinois +14 (-110)
Over/Under: 51

Wisconsin suffered two straight heartbreaking losses to Michigan State and Ohio State in late October, but this Badgers team is one of the best in the nation. In fact, I believe they have a solid shot at finishing in the top eight in the country. One very concerning issue for the Badgers is injuries all across the offensive line. Wisconsin’s biggest strength is its offensive line, but they currently have three lineman listed on the injury report. Russell Wilson has been putting up Heisman Trophy type numbers this season. Wilson is completing 73 percent of his passes and he has 25 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Montee Ball has an amazing 27 touchdowns in just ten games, and he is also averaging 6.7 yards per carry. This may be the most balanced offense in the nation.

Some wondered how the Wisconsin defense would fare this year, but they have been very solid. The defense struggled in losses to Michigan State and Ohio State, but overall this year they have been great. The Badgers are giving up just 15.8 points per contest, and they are fifth in the nation in total defense. The secondary has been great all season, but the front seven has struggled at times against good running offenses.

Illinois has struggled largely because their offense has been extremely inconsistent over the last four games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The Fighting Illini are averaging just ten points per game in their last four contests. Nathan Scheelhaase is a solid dual-threat quarterback, but this offense lacks the weapons necessary to score on the best defenses. A.J. Jenkins has 76 receptions and seven touchdowns, but no other receiver has more than 23 catches. Jason Ford and the running game haven’t been able to get going of late either. Illinois must find a rhythm offensively if they are going to have a chance in this game.

The Fighting Illini defense has been very good this year. Illinois ranks ninth in the nation in total defense. This is especially impressive when you consider that the Fighting Illini lost their two best defenders from last year’s squad. This is a defense that limits big plays and does a nice job clogging up the running lanes in the middle of the field. Opponents are scoring just 18.6 points per game.

Wisconsin has too much firepower for Illinois. The Fighting Illini are searching for an identity on offense right now, while Wisconsin is racking up huge numbers. Expect the Badgers to roll in this one.

Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -14
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 35 Illinois 13

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NCAA Football Sportsbooks

Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Week 11 Free Pick

CFB Handicapping: Michigan Wolverines vs Illinois Fighting Illini

It has been a nice first season for the Brady Hoke crew in Ann Arbour.  They beat Notre Dame and should qualify for a bowl game that will give them a respite from the Michigan winter cold.

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NCAA Football

Week 9: Illinois vs. Penn State Preview & Free Pick

Illinois vs Penn State

Joe Paterno can etch his name alone at the top of the list if Penn State wins this game. A win by the Nittany Lions would give Paterno 409 career wins, a mark which would top Eddie Robinson’s 408 career wins.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

It seems every season Ron Zook is on the hot seat. The Fighting Illini’s 6-0 start really surprised the football world, but two straight losses have people questioning whether this team is for real.

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Beaver Stadium
Saturday October 29, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Penn State (-205) Illinois (+175)
College Football Spread: Penn State -5 (-115) Illinois +5 (-105)
Over/Under: 40.5

Can Penn State give Paterno his record setting 409th win?

Nathan Scheelhaase and the Fighting Illini offense have been non-existent in the past couple weeks. The Fighting Illini were held to 7 points by Ohio State two weeks ago. Last weekend they were held to 14 points by a mediocre Purdue team. Illinois clearly needs to get the offense started far earlier in the game. The Fighting Illini haven’t scored a point in the first three quarters of their last two contests. A.J. Jenkins gives Illinois one of the best play makers in the Big Ten on the outside, but the team is lacking a second pass receiving option. If Illinois is going to be successful in this game, they must get their running game going.

The Illinois defense has been very good this year. Despite losing their top two players to the NFL Draft, this defense ranks tenth in the nation in total defense. Illinois has been solid against both the run and the pass this year. The Fighting Illini are allowing just 18.1 points per game in 2011. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Penn State’s offense hasn’t necessarily been great this year, but they have gotten the job done. The emergence of Silas Redd as a quality running back has really helped this team move forward. Redd is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and he already has six touchdowns this season. Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden have been sharing time at the quarterback spot, but McGloin seems to be earning the primary share of the playing time at this point. McGloin has thrown seven touchdowns and just two interceptions this year. This offense has been without its star receiver, Derek Moye, for the last few weeks. Moye is listed as questionable for this game, and the offense will really get a nice boost when he gets back in the lineup.

Penn State’s defense is primarily responsible for the team’s 7-1 start. The Nittany Lions defense has been dominating so far this year. Opponents are scoring just 13.1 points per game on this unit so far this year. The Nittany Lions defensive line is led by Jack Crawford. Star corner D’Anton Lynn leads a secondary that is probably the best in the Big Ten.

The posted total on this game is set very low, but it is set low for good reason. These defenses are much better than the offenses in this matchup. I expect both offenses to struggle to get anything going in this one.

Free College Football Pick: Illinois/Penn State under 40.5
Score Prediction: Penn State 17 Illinois 10

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NCAA Football

Week 8: Wisconsin vs. Michigan State Preview & Free Pick

Wisconsin vs Michigan St.

This Saturday night’s showdown in East Lansing is probably the biggest matchup in the Big Ten so far this year. Wisconsin has dismantled everyone they have played so far this year, but they have yet to play a game away from home.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Michigan State is unbeaten in the Big Ten, and they haven’t lost at home. The Spartans upset the Badgers last year.

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Spartan Stadium
Saturday October 22, 8:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -7.5 (-115) Michigan State +7.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 49

It’s the #4 Badgers against the #13 Spartans under the lights this Saturday.

No team has looked more dominant than the Wisconsin Badgers so far this season. Russell Wilson transferred from North Carolina State in the offseason, and he seems to be the perfect fit for this Badgers offense. Wilson has completed an amazing 74% of his passes in 2011. In addition, he has thrown 14 touchdowns and just one interception. The biggest strength of this Badgers offense is still the running game. This offensive line is dominant and Montee Ball and James White are both very good running backs. Ball is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, and he already has a staggering 16 rushing touchdowns this year. Wisconsin is first in the nation in scoring at 50.2 points per game.

Wisconsin’s defense was supposed to be the question mark this year, but they have been terrific as well. The Badgers rank third in the nation in points per game allowed at just 9.7 per contest. Opponents are converting on just 31% of their third-down conversion attempts so far this year. If this defense continues to play so well, the Badgers will be very difficult to beat.

Michigan State ranks second in the nation in total defense, just a couple yards per game behind Alabama. Mark Dantonio’s team has shut down every offense it has faced this year. Notre Dame had the most success of anyone, but they still only had 275 total yards of offense. Jerrell Worthy is a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Michigan State is allowing just 119 passing yards per game, which is the best mark in college football. The Spartans already have 21 sacks this season. Michigan State is holding opponents to just 27.5% on their third-down conversion attempts.

Kirk Cousins is the senior leader under center for Michigan State. Cousins is a very accurate passer who has a great understanding of this offense. Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell are the two primary running backs for the Spartans. Michigan State’s running game hasn’t been quite as good as last year, largely due to multiple injuries on the offensive front. If they are going to win this game, they must be able to run the football against the Badgers.

This should be a very interesting game. The Badgers offense will easily be the best offense Michigan State has played. At the same time, Michigan State’s defense will be far better than any of the defenses Wisconsin has gone against. In the end, I expect Wisconsin’s balance on offense to be too much for Michigan State.

Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -7.5

Score Prediction: Wisconsin 31 Michigan State 17

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NCAA Football

Week 8: Illinois vs. Purdue Preview & Free Pick

Illinois vs Purdue Handicapping

Illinois is coming off a disappointing home loss to Ohio State last weekend. The Fighting Illini still have a chance to be a player in the Big Ten Leaders Division, but they must get back on track right away.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Purdue fought hard, but came up short against Penn State in Happy Valley last week. The Boilermakers will look to pull off a big upset at home this week.

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Illinois vs. Purdue
Ross-Ade Stadium
Saturday October 22, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from 5Dimes
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Illinois -4 (-110) Purdue +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 47

The Illinois offense was really shut down by Ohio State last Saturday. Illinois didn’t score until there was six minutes left in the contest. The running game barely mustered 100 yards, which was less than half their average per game. Nathan Scheelhaase is a much improved quarterback, but he had a poor game last week. The Fighting Illini turned the ball over three times last week, and that was simply too much to overcome. Scheelhaase is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, and I expect him to bounce back nicely. A.J. Jenkins already has 54 catches, but the team needs to find a reliable second option in the passing game.

The Illinois defense has been a real area of strength this season. Illinois is currently ranked 12th in the nation in total defense. This is a defense that really rallies to the football well, but they are slightly vulnerable against a power running attack like Ohio State’s. Can this unit use their team speed to shut down the Purdue offense?

Purdue has had more trouble with serious injuries than just about any other team in the nation in the last year. Rob Henry was going to be the starter under center for the team this year, but he tore his ACL just days before the season started. Caleb TerBush has seen most of the playing time at quarterback this year, but Robert Marve has also taken some snaps under center. The passing game has never really gotten on track this season. The Boilermakers are averaging ust 194 passing yards per contest. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers give Purdue a nice one-two punch in the backfield. Both running backs are averaging more than five yards per carry this season. If Purdue is going to win this game, they will have to establish the running game early and often.

The Purdue defense has some very talented players, but they also have some major holes. Ryan Kerrigan was a beast at the defensive end spot last year, and the Boilermakers clearly miss him. Ricardo Allen is a play maker in the secondary, and most opponents try to throw the ball to the other side of the field rather than challenge Allen. Purdue’s rushing defense has struggled this year.

Neither offense is particularly strong, but Scheelhaase gives the Fighting Illini a clear advantage at the quarterback spot. Illinois beat Purdue 44-10 last year. This one should be a whole lot closer, but I still think Illinois covers this small number.

Free College Football Pick: Illinois -4
Score Prediction: Illinois 27 Purdue 17

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NCAA Football

Week 7: Ohio State vs. Illinois Preview & Free Pick

OSU vs Illinois

It’s a bit of a role reversal for Ohio State and Illinois so far this year. Ohio State has typically been the team at the top of the Big Ten standings, but this year it is Ron Zook’s Fighting Illini at the top of the standings.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Illinois is off to an impressive 6-0 start, and they are definitely a team that could contend for the Big Ten Leaders Division title.

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Ohio State vs. Illinois
Memorial Stadium
Saturday October 15, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Illinois (-170) Ohio State (+150)
College Football Spread: Illinois -3.5 (-110) Ohio State +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 44

Ohio State is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Nebraska. The Buckeyes aren’t up to their normal standards this year, but they are still a dangerous team.

Last week’s loss at Nebraska was a bitter pill to swallow for Ohio State fans. The Buckeyes controlled the first two and a half quarters, but they fell apart late in the game. Braxton Miller showed his ability, but when he went down with an injury the Buckeyes were completely lost on offense. How will Ohio State rebound from last week’s tough loss?

The Buckeyes expect Miller to be ready for this game, which is definitely great news for the offense. Additionally, running back Boom Herron will make his season debut in this one. Ohio State will now have three very good running backs who will share duties in the backfield. It’s the Buckeyes passing game that has been non-existent this year. DeVier Posey is still suspended and the Buckeyes receivers just aren’t very good this year. What about the Buckeyes defense? Ohio State’s defense is pretty good, but they aren’t as good as they have been the last few years. Nebraska seemed to wear down the Buckeyes defense last weekend. Ohio State is giving up 17.8 points per game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Ron Zook was on the hot seat at the beginning of this season, but the Illini have really outperformed expectations so far this year. The Fighting Illini get to play Ohio State, Michigan, and Illinois all at home this year, which should be a big benefit to this team’s chances. Nathan Scheelhaase might not get the hype that some other quarterbacks do in the Big Ten, but he is one of the league’s best. Scheelhaase has progressed a great deal from last year, and he is now a complete quarterback. He has thrown for 1,238 yards and rushed for 347 yards this season. Troy Pollard and Donovonn Young have emerged as the Fighting Illini’s most dangerous tailbacks this year. A.J. Jenkins is having a major breakout season at the wide receiver spot. Jenkins already has 46 receptions and seven touchdowns in 2011.

Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the superb play of the Illinois defense. This is a defense that lost its two best players from a year ago, but they are still shutting down their opponents very nicely. Illinois ranks ninth in the country against the run, but they will be tested this week by a solid Ohio State running game. Ironically, Illinois gives up 17.8 points per game as well, the exact same average Ohio State gives up.

The Buckeyes have struggled of late, but they are certainly capable of winning this game. At the same time, Zook’s teams have been very good against Ohio State. In the end, I think the best play here is the under. Look for a low scoring game.

Free College Football Pick: Under 44
Score Prediction: Illinois 20 Ohio State 17

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NCAA Football

Week 6: Illinois vs. Indiana Preview & Free Pick

Illinois vs. Indiana

Ron Zook seems to be on the hot seat every year, but his Fighting Illini are off to a very impressive start in 2011. Illinois is unbeaten, and they certainly have been one of the bigger surprises in college football so far this year.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Indiana has a new coach in Kevin Wilson, but it has been the same problems so far this year for the Hoosiers football team. Can Indiana get off the mat at home against Illinois?

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Memorial Stadium
Saturday October 8, 2:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from JustBet
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Illinois -14.5 (-110) Indiana +14.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 53

Nathan Scheelhaase is one of the more underrated starting quarterbacks in college football right now. Scheelhaase is just a sophomore, but he has really raised his level of play this season. He is completing 69% of his passes compared to just 59% last year. Each game Scheelhaase is becoming more comfortable throwing the football, which makes him even more dangerous because of his dual-threat skills. Troy Pollard has emerged as a major threat in the backfield for Illinois. He is averaging 9.6 yards per carry in limited action this year. A.J. Jenkins is a star at the wide receiver spot, but Illinois lacks depth on the outside.

The Fighting Illini defense has been the real standout so far this year. After losing Martez Wilson and Cory Liuget most people thought this defense would suffer quite a bit this year. So far this year the Fighting Illini have been terrific against the run and solid against the pass. This is a defense that is allowing just 17.4 points per game. The defense will be without its second-leading tackler, Jonathan Brown, in this game. He is suspended for the game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Indiana has a real controversy at the quarterback position. Edward Wright-Baker and Dusty Kiel are locked in a battle to be the team’s signal caller. The biggest problem is that neither of them has been very good this year. This Hoosiers offense is much weaker than it was last year. In fact, they are averaging just 24 points per game this year. They need to find a way to get the ball to Demarlo Belcher more often.

The Indiana defense was a real problem last year, and that continues to be the case this season. The defense did play much better last week at home against Penn State, and they’ll look to build on that momentum in this one. The run defense has been the biggest issue for Indiana, as evidenced by the fact that they gave up 226 rushing yards against lowly North Texas. Can Indiana keep Illinois from running the ball down their throat?

Indiana’s defense has been significantly better at home, and Illinois has a very stout defense right now. I don’t expect either team to put up too many points in this one. Illinois should win this one, but I think the best play here is the under.

Free College Football Pick: Under 53
Score Prediction: Illinois 27 Indiana 14

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NCAA Football

Week 5: Northwestern vs. Illinois Preview & Free Pick

Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini Gambling Preview + Predictions

Wrigley Field was the site of last year’s matchup between these two teams, but they’ll be back in Champaign for this week’s contest. Dan Persa has missed the last three games for Northwestern, but he is listed as probable for this one.