This is a more in-depth have a look at the packages, ranked from least to probably to drag off a signature Week 7 win.
Notice: All video games are scheduled for Saturday.
vs. No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 in Huge Ten) • 12 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Illini flopped of their first ranked sport of the season, falling to Indiana, 63-10, on Sep. 20. Even so, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is not shopping for that as an correct illustration of Illinois, telling reporters earlier this week, “I can not clarify that sport… It’s a must to throw out the movie as a result of that is not who we’re enjoying.” (h/t The Morning Sun)
Illinois wants a particular efficiency from quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has the most pass attempts (148) without an interception amongst energy convention quarterbacks this season. The fifth-year senior is finishing a career-high 73.6 % of his move makes an attempt for 1,573 yards (10.6 yards per try) and 15 complete touchdowns (12 passing, two speeding, one receiving). He is one among 5 FBS gamers with no less than one landing passing, speeding and receiving, together with senior extensive receiver teammate Hank Beatty and three others. (h/t Stathead)
The Illini will want their dynamic playmakers to have massive video games as a result of the secondary will probably be examined in opposition to a difficult Ohio State offense. Illinois is final within the Huge Ten in move protection (252.3 yards per sport), and in three earlier video games in opposition to successful FBS groups, the protection has allowed 329 passing yards per sport. In Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin’s first two conference games, he accomplished 81.1 % of his move makes an attempt for 534 yards (9.7 yards per try) and 5 touchdowns.
at No. 3 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 in Huge Ten) • 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Indiana and Oregon rank first and third, respectively, in common margin of victory, with the Hoosiers outscoring opponents 239-48 (38.2 factors per sport). The Geese have gained their first 5 video games by a median of 34.4 factors.
Whereas Indiana was the most effective tales in faculty soccer final season, it is rapidly turning into the most effective groups within the sport. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza deserves consideration for the Heisman. He leads the Huge Ten in passing touchdowns (16) whereas solely throwing one interception and finishing 73 % of his passes.
However as robust as Indiana, which can be second within the convention in scoring and complete protection, has seemed, it hasn’t proved itself on a stage as massive because the one it is going to be on in opposition to Oregon.
The Hoosiers are 1-19 in their last 20 road games against ranked teams, together with 0-2 below head coach Curt Cignetti. In the meantime, the Geese have been on this place quite a few instances and are 7-1 at home against ranked opponents below head coach Dan Lanning.
vs. No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1, 2-0 in SEC) • 12 p.m. ET (ABC)
Missouri sophomore operating again Ahmad Hardy has been one among this yr’s most impactful switch portal additions, main the nation with 730 speeding yards and averaging 7.1 yards per carry for a Tigers program that is tied with Ole Miss for the second-best win percentage among SEC teams because the begin the 2023 season (26-5), trailing Georgia (28-5).
Whereas Alabama has rebounded properly from a humbling Week 1 loss to No. 25 Florida State (3-2, 0-2 in ACC), it is struggled at stopping the run, permitting the second-most yards per carry within the convention (4.65) and 155.4 rush yards per sport, which ranks thirteenth within the SEC. Conversely, Missouri has been stout in opposition to the run, permitting 62.4 yards per sport and a couple of.64 yards per carry. If these traits proceed, the Tigers might choose up their first win over the Tide in 50 years.
