The Illini are not getting much love from the betting public after their upset of Nebraska. UTSA has a seasoned roster and emerges from a 7-5 season, so this is not the standard Conference USA vs. Big Ten encounter. Illinois does not lack for veterans, either, with 41 seniors, six more than UTSA. New coach Bret Bielema should be able to defuse UTSA’s run-oriented offense. Illini QB Brandon Peters (shoulder) is iffy, but backup Artur Sitkowski was effective enough against the Cornhuskers to alleviate any concerns. The Roadrunners’ closest opponent to the Power Five under first-year coach Jeff Traylor last year was BYU, and the result was a seven-point defeat.

What stood out to me about Illinois' upset win over Nebraska last week was how well the Illini performed in the trenches compared to Nebraska. The defensive line, in particular, did a tremendous job of winning the battle and taking away the inside, collapsing Nebraska's rushing attack. UTSA's offense is built around running back Sincere McCormick. I think Illinois takes a similar approach with McCormick that it did with Nebraska's Adrian Martinez, and forces everyone else to beat it. I don't think the Roadrunners can do that.

Illinois is coming off a big upset win despite getting outgained 392-326 last week. UTSA went 7-5 under first-year head coach Jeff Traylor last season, scoring 28.2 points per game (67th of 127) while allowing 25.7 (41st). The Roadrunners are one of the deepest teams with a plethora of returning talent. Illinois is 3-13 ATS as home chalk of 3.5 to 7 points since 1993. Take the road dog.