Big Ten Week 8: Indiana Hoosiers Vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

When: Saturday @ 12 PM EST

TV: Big Ten Network

The Indiana Hoosiers travel to Champaign this Saturday to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini, in a battle of two of the Big Ten’s surprise teams (other than Michigan State).

Although neither of these teams has given their fans an undefeated record like Michigan State, Indiana and Illinois have surprised their fan bases with their play to this point.

Both teams have had tough schedules to begin Big Ten play, with Indiana losing to Michigan and Ohio State and Illinois defeating Penn State, while dropping games to Ohio State and Michigan State.

Saturday’s game presents an opportunity for both teams to pick up a Big Ten victory and continue their quest for a bowl game.

Illinois has surprised each of their opponents this season with tough defense. 

Sophomore phenom, Terry Hawthorne, has been eased back into games the past few weeks and it could not have come sooner.

Indiana, led by quarterback Ben Chappell (16 TD’s, 1858 yards), features the best passing offense in the Big Ten.

The Fighting Illini secondary will definitely have their hands full keeping the Hoosiers passing game in check.

After a 1-2 start to Big Ten play, Illinois’ game against Indiana is the beginning of the less competitive part of their schedule.

Remaining on the Illini schedule after the Hoosiers are Purdue, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern and Fresno State.

Fighting Illini quarterback, Nathan Scheelhaase, did not fare well last week against the Michigan State Spartans, throwing three interceptions and completing only 15 passes.

Indiana ranks towards the bottom of the Big Ten in every defensive category.

Facing the Hoosiers at home should present the Illinois redshirt freshman with a more comfortable atmosphere to showcase his talent.

Mikel Leshoure figures to have a field day with an Indiana defense that allows an average of 169.8 rushing yards per game.

The surprising Illini defense should be able to keep the surprising Hoosiers’ offense in check and win their second Big Ten game of the season.

Prediction: Illinois 34…Indiana 14