Saturday Predictions

24 hours from now we will either be celebrating a great victory and start to the season... or many others will be joining me in another very long drive back to Champaign. Here is a look at what I think are the keys to this weekend's Arch Rivalry match-up.

Get the run going early. We are all excited to see Juice take a shot at the Big Ten's total offense record, and to achieve that he would probably have to have another game tomorrow like he did last year (450+ yards). But to win this game, I feel that the most important thing will be getting the running game going early. Juice has played in too many games now to get flustered just because Missouri is blitzing. The talk all year has been the Illini passing game, and the Tigers know all about it. I expect Missouri to put some pressure on early but sell out. Illinois senior Daniel Dufrene has a high ankle sprain, and that puts the pressure on some young guys. Jason Ford is my pick to get the most carries but don't expect him to run the ball 18 times. Freshman Justin Green will get time because he is too good to keep off the field. His carries will ultimately depend on the score. The more comfortable the lead, the more he plays. He is very talented, but still a freshman in a post-season setting.


Use the Defensive Tackle as a Weapon. Missouri's offensive line is going to be pretty decent this year... But I think Illinois' defensive line will be the strongest unit on the Illini defense. Some coaches will tell you that a good defensive tackle is as hard as any position in football. They will also tell you that it is one of the most important aspects to a solid defense. Ron Zook is able to sleep well at night with his stable of capable D-tackles. The leader in experience is the seasoned senior Sirod Williams. Joining him are two of the Big Ten's less known super talents, Josh Brent and Corey Liuget. Missouri may have a stand-out running back in Derrick Washington, but none of the three aforementioned defensive linemen played in last year's game with the exception of the then freshman Liuget who recorded no tackles.

Don't let the Missouri Offense get Comfortable. Going along with the point of the D-line, the defense in general needs to pressure the quarterback early and often. Blaine Gabbert will be starting his first game for the Tigers, and although he played in a few games last year, it will be nothing like the atmosphere this Saturday. I expect the Tigers to try and establish the run early. With the lack of experience at the quarterback position, some solid first downs on the ground mixed in with some safe passing plays could spell confidence for Mizzou. Don't let it happen. Martez Wilson must come out ready to play with authority. The sooner we pressure the Missouri offense, the better.

Things to Look for.

How will Ian Thomas, Nate Bussey, and Russell Ellington do at linebacker?

WR Jarred Fayson getting his first touches in an Illini Jersey.

How has the offense changed since Mike Schultz took over as offensive coordinator?

The match up between Missouri's MLB Sean Weatherspoon and QB Juice Williams.
(Sean posted on Twitter recently that he would "squeeze the pulp out of Juice".)

How much time will Supo Sanni get at back up Safety?

Will the Illini utilize senior tight end Michael Hoomanawanui?



The Prediction
Both teams always show up ready to play for this one. A good running back is important and Missouri has that, but I just don't think that will be enough to keep up with the high powered Illini attack. I would not be surprised if this one went into half time as a very close ballgame, but in the end the Illini take the W and end their St. Louis blues.

Illinois 38 Missouri 27