Northwestern vs. Illinois: Will Dan Persa Lead Wildcats to Glory?

Playing at home, the undefeated Illinois Fighting Illini are in a tough battle against the Northwestern Wildcats.

Illinois got on the board first with a 14-yard touchdown strike from Nathan Scheelhaase to A.J. Jenkins. But Dan Persa came back with two second quarter touchdown strikes.

Illinois' Derek Dimke kicked a 49-yard field goal as time expired. At the half, the underdog Wildcats lead their cross-state rivals 14-10.

What’s Gone Wrong?

Illinois is dominating in most stats, but they are losing the turnover battle 2-0. Northwestern also has 68 rushing yards, while Illinois has only 32.

What’s at Stake?

Illinois is undefeated and barely ranked in the Top 25. If they lose this one, they will fall out of the Top 25 and obviously not be undefeated.

Also, while Northwestern is not a bad team, they are nowhere near the toughest team that Illinois will face this year. If Illinois can't defeat Northwestern at home, it doesn't bode well for the rest of their Big Ten schedule.

Upset Potential: 6/10

Obviously, Northwestern found a way to win the first half. If they can do that, then they can find a way to win the second half and pull this one out.

Since they're winning and winning the rushing battle so definitively, I have to give them a slight edge.

But despite all of that, it's only a four-point deficit for Illinois. If they can protect the ball, this is a game that they should win.

How Will Voters React?

This is not going to do good things for Illinois. They have struggled against teams they should beat far more convincingly.

Even if they win, the Fighting Illini will need a really good second half performance to jump up in the polls.

Northwestern is still a long ways from being ranked, but this certainly wouldn't hurt them.

Will Illinois Come Back?

I gave a slight edge to Northwestern to win this one. So, going on that, I would say no. It wouldn't at all surprise me to be wrong on this one. We're basically starting a new game in the second half.

Who Benefits Most from Illinois' Collapse?

Big Ten rivals certainly all benefit from this, as does anyone just on the outside of the Top 25.

Obviously, this is also a big win for Northwestern if they pull it off.