Illinois looks to bounce back from its upset loss to Duke when the Illini host Southern Illinois on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to watch, the latest injury report and betting odds.
The Illini will play their third game of the season on Saturday against in-state foe Southern Illinois inside Gies Memorial Stadium. Illinois is coming off an upset loss at home to Duke last Saturday and needs to get back on track with a win to move to 2-1 on the season. Southern Illinois is an FCS team, and Illinois is heavily favored, so this should be a get-right game for the Illini.
All eyes will be on the Illinois defense in Saturday’s matchup, as it has not looked good through the first two games. The defense struggled last season, and it feels like not much has changed under the new regime. Duke tallied 31 points in its upset win over Illinois last Saturday, and stopping the run remains a major issue.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectBlue Devils running back Nate Sheppard ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, and the Illini had no answer for him.
The passing defense was not much better, as Duke quarterback Walker Eget threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns in the upset win. That type of defensive performance will not get the job done against Power Four opponents, but Southern Illinois likely lacks the talent needed to make this one a close contest.
The Salukis are 2-1 on the year following a 34-31 loss to West Florida. They suffered that loss on the road in Week 0 but bounced back with two wins over Samford and SEMO in Weeks 1 and 2. Southern Illinois finished 7-5 last season but lost its lone game against a Power Four opponent, falling to Purdue 34-17 on the road.
I expect another loss to a Power Four team on Saturday, as the Illini should be able to roll to an easy victory. Saturday’s game might not be the most appealing one on the schedule, but it is an important opportunity for Illinois to get back on track.
Here’s everything you need to know about Illinois vs. Southern Illinois on Saturday:
How to Watch
Southern Illinois Salukis (2-1) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (1-1)
Location: Gies Memorial Stadium
Kickoff: Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Channel: Peacock
Betting Odds
Spread: Illinois -38.5
Moneyline: None
Total: 55.5
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Injury Report
TE G. Smith — OUT
TE B. Thurman — OUT
WR A. Perry — OUT
TE T. Hollinger — OUT
