The only thing I can imagine is they believe NW is due for a huge let down after beating Iowa last week. And that bettors continue to overrate the beloved, I honestly don't get it.

It has more to do with (i) NU's quarterback situation - Kafka's leg is a mess and Persa hurt his throwing hand during the Iowa game and (ii) the emergence of Charest as a viable quarterback. NU only scored 10 points on offense against Iowa and 7 of those were on a short field because of a terrible Vanderberg pick.

I agree, mostly I think Illinois plays a little better as an underdog. NW is 6-4, they are a decent team, and probably are always a little underrated talent wise.

With the Vegas spread, IL is doomed to defeat. Zook NEVER beats the underdog. He wins the trophy for most beat coach when his team is favored.

I don't disagree with us playing better as an underdog. NU's defense in particular is pretty strong. They limited us to 10 points last year and absolutely shut down our rushing game. We're going to need to be able to throw the ball to win.

Agree, we should be the underdog. Actually, I am surprised we are favored by LV. Maybe the line will change before Sat.

Dudes, NU's defense has one good player. Their coverage is porous. Kafka is a statue right now. Charest has a big game and Illinois wins big.

I was disappointed to see that line but i think I'll put a few bucks on the Illini anyway.

Lets analyze the actual game instead of the spread. While it may be a surprise that Illinois is favored, this is a trap game for NU.

-Illinois is better than their 3-6 record, but they are 3-6. So, it is easy to take us lightly, but we are very dangerous right now.

-Northwestern beat Iowa last week. How many times in college sports have we seen a team upset one of the big boys and lose the next week? These are kids here. It's real easy to lose focus.

- Kafka's got a bad hamstring. His strength is his mobility, so he may not be as effective. Persa's hand is bothering him too.

-Illinois has now established both the run and the pass.

-Northwestern plays Wisconsin the week after. Easy to look past Illinois

This weekend will be a good test to see how much Illinois has improved. Go Illini

Agree on all - I still think Illinois wins out. Maybe a loss to Cincy, but no way Illinois loses to the Cats. They are bad. They got very, very lucky last week, but take away the play where they cheapshotted Stanzi and ended his season (which ended up being a TD) and the INT in Iowa territory when the frosh QB came in, and they would have scored 3 points on Iowa. Plus, their D was getting shredded before Stanzi went down. Illinois wins big.

You should really stop saying that. I've watched that play several times and it was anything but a cheap shot.

I agree, that was anything but a cheap shot.

And, I might add, Northwestern is anything but a bad team. They've now beaten Iowa three straight in Kinnick Stadium.
Talentwise, I don't think there's a program in the Big Ten that gets as much out of their players as NU does. Give them their due.

Unlike Minnesota, NW has all week to prepare for Charest. They will pressure early and often and try to force him to run. They will probably chip him every chance they get.

Is the ILlinois staff smart enpugh to counter this to design some screens and quick read type of plays? (do I have to answer that?) Will the Illini be patient enough in the running game to try to let LeShoure and Ford wear them down?

Can the Illini defense do the same type of things to the NW offense? Can Illinois avoid bad plays on special teams?

I am one who believes the talent on both sides is pretty even. This game will come down to coaching, preparation and playing with emotion. I am not even going to predict other than to say I disagree with ralph.

Charest can handle the blitz. Minnesota came after him on that one third down play and he dumped it off to mcgee for a big gain. Say what you want about the guy but he seemed pretty fearless out there

Its a bad idea, I watch the pre-seasons and the occassional match on the internet but only if I have to, watching football at a computer screen is not the best way for me, and I wont be watching the match on saturday, who in there right mind will pay for that?