Northwestern vs. Illinois

Northwestern has had a fine campaign anchored by a great defense, on a 4-0 SU/3-1 ATS run. That included a win over Penn State as a dog, 23-21, and a win over Wisconsin as a +12 point dog. They are also on a 4-2 run OVER the total. Northwestern (9-2) is playing for a 10-win season and a terrific Bowl game bid. There's a chance to get the #4 Bowl slot in the equation with a win, finishing the year as the second-best team in the Big-10 West with a shot at a New Year's Day Bowl game. The Wildcats just upset Wisconsin, 13-7, and they are 17-8 ATS when following a spread win. They face an Illinois squad that started out 4-2, but is on a 1-5 SU, 2-4 ATS run. The Illini defense is a major problem, allowing 60 points the last two games along with a 39-0 loss to Penn State during the skid. Illinois is 1-4 ATS against a team with a winning record. And when these teams meet Northwestern is 5-2 ATS on this field and the OVER is 5-0 the last five meetings. Back Northwestern and the OVER.