Hit with Alabama last week, -.96 units.
I'm on Illinois at +20.5. Illinois returns almost their entire offense except for their running back and one receiver, but the entire offensive line is back as is Peters the qb and most of their receivers. Illinois returns most of their defense except for their starting defensive line, but Illinois has several seniors and a graduate transfer who was recuited by top 25 schools up front. Illinois is also deep on the defensive line.
Wisconsin lost their starting qb from last year Coan to a foot injury the first week of October and the new starter Mertz was the top pocket passer recruit in the nation, but he hasn't had any meaningful snaps in real games and Coan only got hurt 2 weeks ago, so he hasn't had much practice with the first team. Wisconsin also lost both their starting receivers, their starting running back, and 2 key linebackers from last year. Losing Taylor, Wisconsin's star running back from last year should hurt because Wisconsin doesn't have anyone close to his talent to take over either. Wisconsin's offensive line should be good as usual, but they are replacing their center and the center and new qb have only had 2 weeks to work together.
Even though Illinois beat Wisconsin last year, the loss didn't impact Wisconsin's season at all since they still had a chance to win the big ten, so I don't see a revenge spot, and Illinois should have the confidence they can play with Wisconsin.
Their won't be any fans in big ten stadiums except for family members of the players so their is a minimal home field advantage here.
I'm on Illinois at +20.5. Illinois returns almost their entire offense except for their running back and one receiver, but the entire offensive line is back as is Peters the qb and most of their receivers. Illinois returns most of their defense except for their starting defensive line, but Illinois has several seniors and a graduate transfer who was recuited by top 25 schools up front. Illinois is also deep on the defensive line.
Wisconsin lost their starting qb from last year Coan to a foot injury the first week of October and the new starter Mertz was the top pocket passer recruit in the nation, but he hasn't had any meaningful snaps in real games and Coan only got hurt 2 weeks ago, so he hasn't had much practice with the first team. Wisconsin also lost both their starting receivers, their starting running back, and 2 key linebackers from last year. Losing Taylor, Wisconsin's star running back from last year should hurt because Wisconsin doesn't have anyone close to his talent to take over either. Wisconsin's offensive line should be good as usual, but they are replacing their center and the center and new qb have only had 2 weeks to work together.
Even though Illinois beat Wisconsin last year, the loss didn't impact Wisconsin's season at all since they still had a chance to win the big ten, so I don't see a revenge spot, and Illinois should have the confidence they can play with Wisconsin.
Their won't be any fans in big ten stadiums except for family members of the players so their is a minimal home field advantage here.