![\"Kyle](\"http:\/\/www.sportscapping.com\/new\/cache\/capper_photos\/366_service_photo.jpg\" "\\"Kyle")
<\/a>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. <\/p>\n
**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! \u2013 CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\nOhio State vs. Illinois<\/strong>
\nMemorial Stadium<\/strong>
\nSaturday October 15, 3:30 PM EST<\/strong>
\nNCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker<\/strong>
\nMoneyline: <\/strong>Illinois (-170) Ohio State (+150)
\nCollege Football Spread: <\/strong>Illinois -3.5 (-110) Ohio State +3.5 (-110)
\nOver\/Under: <\/strong>44<\/p>\nOhio State is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Nebraska. The Buckeyes aren\u2019t up to their normal standards this year, but they are still a dangerous team.<\/p>\n
Last week\u2019s 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\u2019s tough loss?<\/p>\n
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\u2019s the Buckeyes passing game that has been non-existent this year. DeVier Posey is still suspended and the Buckeyes receivers just aren\u2019t very good this year. What about the Buckeyes defense? Ohio State\u2019s defense is pretty good, but they aren\u2019t 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″]<\/p>\n
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\u2019s chances. Nathan Scheelhaase might not get the hype that some other quarterbacks do in the Big Ten, but he is one of the league\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Buckeyes have struggled of late, but they are certainly capable of winning this game. At the same time, Zook\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\nMemorial Stadium<\/strong>
\nSaturday October 15, 3:30 PM EST<\/strong>
\nNCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker<\/strong>
\nMoneyline: <\/strong>Illinois (-170) Ohio State (+150)
\nCollege Football Spread: <\/strong>Illinois -3.5 (-110) Ohio State +3.5 (-110)
\nOver\/Under: <\/strong>44<\/p>\n
Ohio State is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Nebraska. The Buckeyes aren\u2019t up to their normal standards this year, but they are still a dangerous team.<\/p>\n
Last week\u2019s 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\u2019s tough loss?<\/p>\n
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\u2019s the Buckeyes passing game that has been non-existent this year. DeVier Posey is still suspended and the Buckeyes receivers just aren\u2019t very good this year. What about the Buckeyes defense? Ohio State\u2019s defense is pretty good, but they aren\u2019t 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″]<\/p>\n
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\u2019s chances. Nathan Scheelhaase might not get the hype that some other quarterbacks do in the Big Ten, but he is one of the league\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Buckeyes have struggled of late, but they are certainly capable of winning this game. At the same time, Zook\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n