Both teams aren't very good. But Illinois has played a tough schedule and has talented freshmen who are coming on. The Illini desperately need to win this home game. They draw Minnesota fat and happy after an easy win against Rutgers.

The Gophers have a history of not covering against sub .500 teams going 6-20 ATS in that role the past 26 times.

Illinois is good at forcing turnovers, are playing at home, in circle-the-wagons mode and won't be outclassed here.