Toledo at Illinois

Toledo looks like a MAC powerhouse again with 16 starters back. But they open the season against the Big 10 and last year they scored 21 points at Ohio State and lost 17-14 at San Diego State in two September non-conference tilts. The defense was one of the best in the MAC and returns a lot of key talent, including cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, a first-team All-MAC selection. Illinois coach Bret Bielema begins his third season. His style is defensive, to control the ball and the clock, run the football, and play physical defense. Illinois has three terrific starters back on the offensive line. They have a new QB in Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer with Tommy DeVito gone, while the defense has an excellent linebacking corps. Illinois is 18-6 UNDER the total when they allow 4 to 4.5 total yards per play and this shapes up as a defensive duel. Play Toledo/Illinois UNDER the total as a Max Play.