Illinois

Squeeze the Orange

On offense, play physical. Although Iowa burned Syracuse through the air last week, Washington showed that it can be run on effectively, too. The Huskies rushed for 302 yards week one against ‘Cuse. Expect to see Rashard Mendenhall and Daniel Dufrene have big games.

Stop the pass

Although Syracuse’s passing game hasn’t been great by any means, its running game has been atrocious, only netting 32 yards on the season. Yes, that stat is right.

Taj Smith had a big game against the Illini last year, and the Illini will make sure that he doesn’t again this year. You stop the pass, the Orange have nothing.

Syracuse

Spread the wealth

If Syracuse can somehow find its passing game, which has been the only way to be effective against the Illini defense, it will have a chance. The front seven and eight of the Illini have more than proven that they are capable of stopping the run. Pass early and often.

Stack the box

Juice Williams is coming off a less than convincing performance against Western Illinois. The Illinois defense has been preparing for the multiple fronts that it will be facing from the Orange on blitzing downs. Syracuse will need to force Juice to make plays on offense if it expects to have any chance at all in the game.