That's where the Illini can unleash their strongest weapon. We are likely getting a 60-minute crash course on smash-mouth football, so rushing success will be critical. Illinois is going to fight for our money. That's certainly a factor when backing a seven-point underdog. It'll take a lot more than motivation to win games at this level, but I take comfort in knowing how important it is to Bielema to put the best version of this Illinois team out on the field Saturday. Head coach Bret Bielema returns to Wisconsin, where he previously led the Badgers to three Big Ten championships during his six-year run. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Illinois Fighting Illini (+7) at Wisconsin BadgersĪs much as coaches try to downplay these situations, this is a game of special significance for Illinois. Illinois running back Chase Brown could be the key for the Illini on Saturday.
