Big Ten Network Predictions:
Tom Dienhart (@BTNTomDienhart)
Illinois 40, Youngstown 23
Sean Merriman (@BTNSean)
Illinois 31, Youngstown State 24
Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina)
Illinois 37, Youngstown State 20
Bob Asmussen, news-gazette.com (@BobAsmussen)
Illinois 42, Youngstown State 20
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My prediction:
I think we will definitely move the ball on their defense, which was pretty darn bad last year giving up 35 ppg. Despite Scalzo and others believing our defense has turned the corner, I still have my doubts, especially against an offense that can put up the points.
I expect Illinois to win, but I think we will give them a fight for much of the contest. Illinois 35, YSU 24