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.
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.
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.
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.
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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It’s another week of fantastic college football betting, and BetUS Sportsbook has all of the sports betting action you can handle. On Saturday afternoon, the Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2, 3-6 ATS) put their BCS hopes on the line in Champaign against the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-5, 4-5 ATS), who will be hoping to gain bowl eligibility. Revenge is the theme for the Buckeyes this year, as they will be looking to get some payback for last season’s 28-21 loss at the Horseshoe that knocked them from the ranks of the unbeaten teams in America.
The Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2 SU, 3-6 ATS) are looking to salvage something important out of this season where they have lost their two biggest games. On Saturday they have an opportunity to extract some revenge, when they take on the disappointing Fighting Illini of Illinois (5-5 SU, 4-5 ATS) in NCAA college football betting action that is set to get underway at Noon ET at Memorial Stadium (artificial turf) in Champaign, IL.