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SATURDAY'S MATCHUPS

QUARTERBACKS

Check to Missouri

Nathan Scheelhaase is in the same spot Blaine Gabbert was in a year ago. Sort of. Gabbert got to take some snaps as the backup to Chase Daniel. Scheelhaase got to watch from the sidelines during the 2009 season.

RUNNING BACKS

Check to Illinois

Even before Derrick Washington got kicked off the team, the Illini had the check locked up. Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford could turn into the best tandem in the Big Ten, rivaling Ohio State's Dan Herron and Brandon Saine.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Check to Missouri

It's close, especially with Jerrell Jackson uncertain because of a broken wrist. But Wes Kemp goes into the game as the most productive returning receiver from 2009. And the Tigers have a trio of talented freshmen, who enter with more hype than the trio signed by Ron Zook.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Check to Missouri

Illinois seemed to have settled its lineup questions thanks to an impressive Camp Rantoul from tackle Ryan Palmer. The Tigers welcome back four starters from a productive group and have an edge in depth.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Check to Missouri

Aldon Smith had a Simeon Rice-like freshman season, recording 11.5 sacks. Of course, offensive lines will give him more attention, but that will just make everybody else better.

LINEBACKERS

Check to Illinois

This was going to the Tigers before the DUI charge against starter Will Ebner. There are questions about how effective Martez Wilson will be in his first game back from injury. Ian Thomas led the team in tackles last season, a fact that few seem to recognize.

SECONDARY

Check to Missouri

One more injured defensive back and the Illini are going to have put former Miami (Ohio) star Ron Zook at corner. Though Justin Green, Steve Hull and Jack Ramsey are fast learners, it's too much to ask them to stop a talented passing offense like Missouri.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Check to Missouri

Start with kicker Grant Ressel, who hit 26 of 27 field goal tries in 2009. The Tigers need a new punter, but the returners are back for another season. The Illinois return game took a hit with the loss of Hawthorne.

COACHING

Check to Missouri

Gary Pinkel might not be the most media friendly coach in the country. Missouri fans don't care because his teams have been a hit on the field (67-46) with a string of bowl appearances.

PREDICTION

Check to Missouri

The Tigers have dominated the recent series, winning five in a row starting in 2002. The streak continues as Gabbert takes advantage of the Illinois defensive inexperience in a 41-24 victory.