Illinois at Penn State

The Fighting Illini started the season at 6-0 but they have proven to be a pretender in the Big-10. They had a very soft schedule early and have now lost to an Ohio State a team that is down from recent years, as well as Purdue who is just 4-3 on the season. Penn State certainly has had offensive issues, especially at QB this season. But those issues have simmered down as they have scored 57 points in their last two games - more than any two-game stretch this season. This team is powered by a tough defense that doesn't give ground easy. At 7-1 their only loss was to Alabama, who has beaten everyone else on their schedule by 24 points or more. Illinois is just 3-10 ATS in their last 13 in the role of a +3.5 to +10-point underdog, while Penn State is 5-1 ATS in that same range as a favorite in their last six. Joe Pa always gets his teams together come October where they are 20-8 ATS in their last 28. Play on Penn State in this one.