Yes, Illinois did upset Ohio St. in 2007, but there are a couple of big differences between that year's team and this year's team. First, the '07 Illini team had already beaten two ranked teams (Penn State and Wisconsin); this year's team has a six-point win over Northern Illinois as its only win over an FBS opponent so far. Second, the '07 game was in Columbus, where the Illini have won five times since 1991, the last time the Illini beat the Buckeyes in Champaign, where Saturday's game will be played.
Most oddsmakers have the Illini as a 17 or 18 point underdog for Saturday, and even that seems generous toward the Orange and Blue. The best thing that could come out of Saturday's game is for the team to avoid major injuries and to not get too discouraged. Next weekend's opponent (Penn State) looked vulnerable against Temple's rushing game last week (156 yards), which means Illinois might have a chance against the Nittany Lions, even in Happy Valley.
Prediction: Ohio State 42, Illinois 6
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