Illinois vs. Missouri Odds
Written August 27, 2008 by Jason Lowry
What better way to get the season rolling, than have two top 25 teams squaring off in the first week of the season. It all gets underway as #20 Illinois heads to the #6 ranked Missouri Tigers, for what could end up being the best game of the day. To make sure you get the best available lines on the game this weekend, be sure to stay up to date with the latest odds, with our live NCAA football lines. For now lets take a closer look at the two teams scheduled to do battle this weekend.
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The Fighting Illini got themselves back on the national stage last season, as they went on to win 9 games that included a huge upset over the Ohio State Buckeyes. The season didn’t end so nice, as the Illini fell short to USC in the Rose Bowl, but they are expecting another big season under head coach Ron Zook. On the other hand you have the Tigers who rolled past every team it played, well that is every team not named Oklahoma. The Tigers at one point reached No. 1 in the country, but failed to beat the Sooners for the second time in the Big 12 Title game, and had to settle on destroying Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. This year the Tigers are back in the hunt for a National Championship, and it all starts this weekend against a very tough Illinois team.
The Tigers offense brings back eight starters, to what should be one of the most electric offenses in the Big 12, as senior quarterback Chase Daniel is one of the best the school has ever seen. The running game took a minor hit with the loss of Tony Temply, but they are pretty set on sophomore Derrick Washington to come in and get the job done. While Daniel seems to have no problem getting the ball all over the field, you can pretty much count on his top to targets being sophomore receiver Jeremy Maclin, and senior tight end Chase Coffman. As for the Fighting Illini their season to rest on the quarterback position, as they hope junior quarterback Juice Williams can continue to build as both a runner and a passer. Williams also gets his leading receiver back in Arrelious Benn, who had 54 catches and 676 yards as a freshman. Where the question lies on this side of the ball is who if anyone can put up the numbers of the departed Rashard Mendenhall. For now it looks like Daniel Dufrene will be the go to guy, but don’t be surprised to see some action from redshirt freshman Troy Pollard as well. Bet Illinois +8.5 at JustBet.com
On the other side of the ball the Tigers come in bringing back 8 starters, to a team that gave up just 23.3 points a game a year ago. The one question that surrounds this unit, is whether they can improve against the pass, as teams passed all over them for 260 yards a game. This key will be getting pressure on the quarterback, and that starts up front with the play of seniors tackle Ziggy Hood and end Tommy Chavis. The linebacking group should be solid coming into the season, but if senior Zan Anderson can return to form after knee surgery this group becomes one of the best in the big 12. The secondary is a little weak, but free safety William Moore will do everything he can to fix that, as he tied for the nation lead with 8 interceptions a year ago. The Illini’s defense is looking pretty strong as well, as they feel they might have one of the best front 7 in all of the big 10 this season. Will Davis led the way in 2007 with 9.5 sacks, and he will get plenty of help, as they have plenty of depth on the line. At linebacker the team needs Brit Miller to make the transition from outside to middlelinebacker, and we don’t see any reason he won’t get the job done. The secondary should be pretty solid as well, and will get a great test against the passing attack of the Tigers. One guy we don’t think Daniel will be picking on all that much is All-Big Ten corner Vontae Davis. Bet Missouri -8.5 at JustBet.com
Predicted Score:
Illinois 25
Missouri 34
In what could be an explosive game from the get go, this is one game you don’t want to miss this weekend. For those looking for some expert advice on picking game, check out professional handicapper Jason Lowry’s NCAA picks today.