Illinois

Open up the offense

Northwestern’s defense has been suspect during portions of the year, and Illinois should be able to easily exploit it. Look for running back Rashard Mendenhall to have a big game along with Juice Williams on the ground. The running game should give way to the passing game again this week.

Berate Bachér

The Wildcat offensive line hasn’t done a great job of protecting Bachér this year, allowing 30 sacks on the season. The Illinois defensive has 36 sacks. Expect both numbers to go up this week.

Northwestern

Go to the air

Bachér is Northwestern’s best option of attack this weekend, and will have to put up another 500-yard performance like he did against Michigan State for the ‘Cats to stand a chance.

Hope last week was a fluke

Although Juice Williams had a huge game last week, Northwestern will have to hope that he won’t have a repeat performance and it must stack the box to force Illinois to pass. Running back Rashard Mendenhall will be able to run all over the NU defense if the Wildcats don’t.

History

Saturday’s game between Illinois and Northwestern is the 101st meeting between the intrastate rivals. Illinois holds a 51-44-5 overall advantage and a 24-19-2 advantage at home. The Wildcats have dominated recently, winning the last four meetings. Since 1945 the winner of this game has been traditionally awarded the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk.