2009 Big Ten Fearless Predictions
Week 13 ... Nov. 28 Games
Illinois |
Indiana
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Iowa
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Michigan
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Michigan
State
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Minnesota
Northwestern
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Ohio State
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Penn State
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Purdue
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Wisconsin
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Game of the Week
Illinois (3-7) at Cincinnati (10-0),12:00 EST, ABC, Friday, November 27
Why to watch: Although a visit from Illinois will have no impact on Cincinnati’s quest to win the Big East title, the unbeaten program is still a break or two from playing for a national championship; provided it wins the final two regular season games, of course. The No. 5 Bearcats have been one of this year’s biggest surprises, overcoming wholesale changes on defense and an injury to star QB Tony Pike to become a hit on a national level. While Illinois has played better recently, it’s been a case of too little, too late for the Big Ten’s biggest disappointment. Resigned to the role of spoiler over the next two weekends, the Illini will look to build some momentum for 2010 while helping make a case for head coach Ron Zook to be back on the sidelines for another year.
Why Illinois might win: Whatever tightness existed during league play and a nasty five-game losing streak is now long gone. The Illini can relax and let its athletes do their thing on Friday. All of the pressure is on Cincinnati. After sitting out the Northwestern game with an ankle injury, QB Juice Williams is expected back, which is good news for an offense that needs his playmaking ability on the field. Before the injury, Illinois had scored 73 points in consecutive games with Michigan and Minnesota, getting playmakers, like backs Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford, more involved with the attack. The last time the Bearcats faced a deep backfield, Connecticut slapped 45 points on them.
Why Cincinnati might win: The young Illinois defense just hasn’t been very good this season, ranking in the bottom half of the league in every major statistical category. Life won’t get any easier with a trip to Nippert Stadium. Whether it’s been Pike or Zach Collaros at the helm, the Bearcat offense has hummed to 478 yards and 38 points a game. The passing game will shred the Illini secondary and linebackers, which have had issues all season against lesser attacks and lesser receivers than Mardy Gilyard and Armon Binns. Who’s going to stop DE Ricardo Mathews and a Cincy D that leads the nation in tackles for loss? Don’t bet on Illinois, which is next to last in the Big Ten in sacks allowed.
Who to watch: While the passing attack takes center in the Queen City, Cincinnati is beginning to get more help on the ground, troubling news for opposing defenses. The catalyst has been Isaiah Pead, who has started to flash some of the moves and potential that made him such a coveted recruit for the Bearcats. A steady force, with an almost seven-yard per carry average, he’s coming off a career-best 175-yard night against West Virginia.
What will happen: With Collaros having off-field issues and Brian Kelly fending off incessant questions about Notre Dame, there are distractions that could trip up Cincinnati. Illinois, however, will not. The Illini simply doesn’t have enough stoppers on defense to corral a Bearcat offense that’s well-rested, well-oiled, and well-prepared. With a larger TV audience on hand for the third straight game, Cincy will crush its Big Ten visitor and start preparing for the game of the year at Pittsburgh.
CFN Prediction: Cincinnati 35 … Illinois 16 ... Line: Cincinnati -18
Must See Rating: (Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 5 … The Twilight Saga: New Moon 1) … 2.5
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