CFB: Missouri vs. Illinois (3:40E, ESPN)
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2009-09-04
Is this the year Illinois wins the Arch Rivalry? Missouri has done so in four straight years, however most of those wins were under the direction of departed stud QB Chase Daniel. Illinois believes this is the year the tide turns, and oddsmakers seem to agree, installing the Illini as 6-1/2-point favorites. What do you think? Do you want to join the 86% of bettors backing the favorites? Or do the remaining 14% have the right idea with the Tigers?
A new era dawns of Missouri football, starting without Daniel. He wasn’t the only one to depart as high draft picks Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman will being playing on Sunday’s instead. This could mean head man Gary Pinkel (59-41, 50-43-2 ATS) relies on the running game more, at least to start the season. Blaine Gabbert is the starter at quarterback and he will he handing off tailback Derrick Washington, until he feels more comfortable in the pocket. The Tigers lost top receivers, but Jared Perry and Danario Alexander are both seniors and they have contributed plenty and have deep speed. The defensive line’s two deep lacks experience and Jaron Baston is only returning starter. All-Big 12 linebacker Sam Weatherspoon is a stud and will have to be leader. Only one starter is back in defensive backfield, which might not be a big deal after finishing 117th in pass defense. The Tigers have shown some teeth with an 8-3 ATS record in first game away from Columbia.
When Ron Zook was hired at Illinois, his recruiting skills were not questioned, his coaching ability was. Many thought Zook had turned a corner after taking Illinois to Rose Bowl two years ago; however last year’s 5-7 campaign opened up Pandora ’s Box again for Zook. That makes this a critical season for Zook, not from a job standpoint, rather if he can take the Illini program to similar status of Wisconsin year-in year-out in the Big Ten. Having Juice Williams should help, if he cuts down interceptions and every down running back emerges to make Williams run less. Arreloius Benn should have true bust-out year and Michael Hoomananwanui needs to have 40+ receptions at tight end. Talented individuals are on defense, with the question being can they be molded in a cohesive unit. The Fighting Illini haven’t shown much fight with 3-9 ATS record the last three years as single digit favorites.
Game 1 is critical for both teams, it could set the tone for both schools. Missouri has won four in a row in the Arch Rivalry and is 8-1 ATS in last nine. Illinois has rugged opening slate and Missouri wants to get program situated early.