Illinois has played the 13th toughest schedule in the nation and Fresno State plays in the WAC and had trouble beating 1-11 Idaho last week winning on a last second touchdown after losing 4 fumbles.
Illini Offense: They have averaged 46.8 points and 442 total yards in their last 5 games. They are #3 in the nation in red zone scoring percentage at 93% with 30 tds and 13fgs in 46 trips.
They are ranked #13 in rushing offense, #29 in scoring offense, #30 in turnover margin, and are #48 in allowing sacks.
QB Scheelhaase has 12 tds to 1 pick and ran for 396 yards with another score in his last 5 games. RB Leshoure ran for 330 yards his last game at Wrigley Field (an alltime Illini record)....he has scored 12 tds in his last 4 games.
Illini Defense: They held Denard Robinson of Michigan to almost 100 yards under his average by allowing only 62 yards on 19 carries vs. season avg of 160.9. They only allowed Michigan St 179 yards UNDER their season average, held Ohio State at the time to only 290 yards vs 506.8 yards pg, and held Northern Illinois star Chad Spann to only 15 yards on 13 carries.
They are ranked #41 against the rush, #40 in total defense, #53 in scoring defense.
Fresno St Offense: First of all they are ranked #111 in turnover margin......they better hope not to be giving up turnovers and field position to Illinois tonight.
#70 in total offense, #44 in scoring offense, they allow too much pressure on their QB ranked 97 in sacks allowed and are #71 in Kick returns......they will be having a lot of kick returns tonight.
Fresno St Defense: #46 in total defense, #46 in rushing defense, and #82 in scoring defense.......watch out for the scores tonight fellas. They do get after the QB with #10 in sacks but that won't be too helpful for them tonight.
Overall, the strength of schedule and turnover advantage to Illinois really makes this line seem off to me. Illinois is 7-1ATS last 8 road games. Fresno ST is 6-22-1 ATS last 29 home games and 5-16 ATS last 21 Friday games.
I believe the extra week off for Illinois is an advantage.
PLAY ILL -5 Very Big
