Illinois +7 at Michigan State -7

[trotterhead]

What does everyone think about this game? I am loving Michigan State on this one, especially at home. Illinois played excellent last week on the road against Penn State and played well at home against Ohio State. However, Penn State is awful this year and could be fighting with Northwestern or Minnesota for the bottom of the Big Ten. Illinois has a solid defense, but I dont know if they can handle a team that can both run and pass. Their freshman qb is dangerous, but so was Robinson and he was shut down last week. As for Lashoure, he is a big back, but without a passing game, MSU game plan will be about the same as it was last week. The major difference here is that Illinois D is much better than Mich D, so I am not sure if MSU will be able to move the ball as easily, but Missouri did not struggle in the second half and they are similar to MSU in offense balance. MSU can pass and play some mean defense and they will be on the lookout for this revived Illinois team.

[Faustman]

I'm on Michigan St as well. Good luck!

[KingJIM]

Here is what Penn State was working with on Defense versus Illinios.


DIDN'T PLAY

• Linebacker Gerald Hodges: Missed his fourth game with a hairline fracture but has begun running.
• Defensive end Jack Crawford: Foot injury, spent game on crutches on the sideline, might need surgery, Paterno said.
• Linebacker Mike Mauti: Missed game with a high ankle sprain.
• Linebacker Bani Gbadyu: Knee injury.
• Defensive end Sean Stanley: suspended for violations of team rules.
• Cornerback Derrick Thomas: suspended for violations of team rules.

LEFT GAME

• Defensive end Eric Latimore: Sustained wrist injury on first play, could be out for an extended period.
• Defensive back Nick Sukay: Possible torn pectoral muscle, also could be out for a while.
• Defensive end Pete Massaro: Treated for dehydration symptoms and played with an injured left quadriceps.
• Defensive back Andrew Dailey: Sustained possible stinger on helmet-to-helmet hit in second half.
• Defensive tackle Jordan Hill: Aggravated previous ankle injury.

That's eleven guys from the two-deep, all of whom have seen significant playing time.
I think MSU is the play at -7 or under.

[dmtrader]

MSU is the play. Ball control offense keeps the Illini off the field. Their defense has stood up to both John Clay and Denard Robinson already.

[sassagore]

i'm taking illinois in this one

[Vince Lombardi]

MSU will walk and talk, no doubt!