No. 22 Arizona State Sun Devils at Illinois Fighting Illini
Saturday, 9/17/11, 7:00 PM EST, TV: Big Ten Network
Opening Point Spread: Arizona State -2
Current Betting Line: Illinois -2
Opening Total: 59
Current Total: 57
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Arizona State comes in off a thrilling 37-30 overtime win over Missouri as 10-point home favorites in a prime-time matchup last week. The Sun Devils were led by quarterback Brock Osweiler, who threw for 353 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score. He has completed 43 of 58 passes for 615 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception through two games this year. The offense is averaging a staggering 504.5 yards. Attention around the program turns to facing a Big Ten opponent, as the team is 15-13 all-time against such competition. Arizona State is 9-1 ATS versus the conference and the ‘under’ is 6-4 in those games.
The Sun Devils have relied heavily on wide receiver Aaron Pflugrad to be Osweiler’s main target, as he tied a career-high with eight catches and set a new mark with 180 receiving yards versus the Tigers. On the other side of the ball, Arizona State continues to showcase a pressuring defense, making 14 plays of negative or no gain. The entire unit will be focused on stopping Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, as she rushed for 868 yards last season.
Illinois dominated South Dakota, 56-3, last weekend to improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2005. The Fighting Illini are seeking their first 3-0 start since 2001 and their first four-game winning streak since 2007. Playing at home is something the program is getting use to, starting the season with five straight inside Memorial Stadium. Fans have seen their beloved team walk away with a 249-209-14 mark at the venue. One of the early strengths for the team is third-down efficiency, converting 21-of-29 opportunities through two weeks. Illinois is 6-7 ATS at home the last two-plus campaigns.
The Fighting Illini lead the Big Ten in scoring 44.5 points per game and also total offense in racking up 496 yards a contest. Scheelhaase has completed 22-of-31 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns, while also gaining 117 yards and two rushing scores on the ground. His main target is senior A.J. Jenkins, who is leading the conference in receptions per game and also receiving yards. Running the ball has been a strength under head coach Ron Zook, as the team has ranked in the top 20 nationally in four of the last five years.
Bettors will likely back the Sun Devils due to their 19-9 ATS mark in September, while the Fighting Illini are 4-14 ATS in non-conference action.
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