Arizona State @ Illinois preview

THE STORY: Arizona State tries to add another big-name, non-conference victory to its resume when it visits Illinois. The Sun Devils squeaked out a 37-30 win in overtime over Missouri last week for the program's first victory over a ranked opponent since 2007. That was enough to garner the No. 18 spot in the Top 25 this week. The Illini are trying for their first 3-0 start since 2001. Illinois makes a serious step up in competition after handling Arkansas State and South Dakota State. The Illini have dropped 10 in a row to ranked opponents.

TV: Big Ten Network. LINE: Illinois -1.5

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (2-0): Coach Dennis Erickson is very cautious of a letdown. Erickson will rely on his 27 seniors to keep a level head during the team’s first road game of the season. Sun Devils junior quarterback Brock Osweiler, who put up 353 yards and three touchdowns versus Missouri, leads an up-tempo attack that is hoping to match Illinois’ lightning-quick defense.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (2-0): The Fighting Illini have laid claim to the turf in their first two games of the season. On defense, Illinois has allowed 42.5 rushing yards per game as it relies on an athletic defensive line. On offense, the Illini are ranked eighth in the nation in rushing, led by running back Jason Ford and dual-threat quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. The sophomore has compiled 369 yards passing and two touchdowns to go along with 117 yards rushing and two scores.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Arizona State is 15-13 all-time against the Big Ten, including 3-9 on the road.

2. Illinois has lost five straight games to Pac-12 foes dating back to 2001. Its last loss came against USC in the 2008 Rose Bowl 49-17.

3. Osweiler, who is 6 feet 8, is the tallest quarterback among FBS programs and is one of six QBs that are taller than 6-6 in the FBS.

PREDICTION: Illinois 35, Arizona State 32 - With two fast-paced offenses, this non-conference showdown could be the highest-scoring game of the week.