Western Michigan @ Illinois preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 8, 2008 ) Illinois 17, Western Michigan 23

THE STORY: Illinois has a head of steam after knocking off Arizona State, giving the program its first victory over a ranked opponent in four years. The Fighting Illini can improve to 4-0 with a win at home Saturday, and post their best start since 1951 – the last time they won the national championship. Western Michigan is no cupcake, though. The Broncos tested Michigan early in a weather-shortened opener and shocked Illinois, 23-17, when these programs met at Ford Field in 2008.

TV: Big Ten Network. LINE: Illinois -11.5

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (2-1, 1-0 MAC): The Broncos opened MAC play with a 44-14 win over Central Michigan, their most one-sided victory since making the jump to the FBS. Quarterback Alex Carder threw for three touchdowns and recorded his fifth career 300-yard passing game. The defense is the backbone of WMU, and made the difference the last time the Broncos faced the Illini. In 2008, they picked off two passes and limited the Illini to 1-of-13 on third down conversions. This year, WMU is ranked seventh in pass defense (124.3 ypg) and 20th in total yards allowed (278.3 ypg).

ABOUT ILLINOIS (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten): The Fighting Illini passed their first test of the season with flying colors, holding an explosive ASU attack to just 14 points on 362 total yards. The pass rush constantly hounded Sun Devils QB Brock Osweiler, who was intercepted twice and sacked six times. Illinois thrives on chaos, forcing eight turnovers and recording 11 sacks in three games. Adding to the commotion on the other side of the ball is dual-threat QB Nathan Scheelhaase. He posted over 200 yards of total offense versus ASU despite playing with an injured shoulder.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Illinois is perfect in the red zone, going 13 for 13 inside its opponents’ 20-yard line. It’s scored 10 touchdowns and settled for three field goals. Western Michigan is second among MAC teams in red-zone defense (40 percent).

2. Western Michigan is 0-20 versus ranked teams. Illinois received 90 votes in the Coaches Poll but is not ranked.

3. Illinois sophomore LB Jonathan Brown was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after recording an interception, seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks versus ASU.

PREDICTION: Illinois 28, WMU 10 – The Illini haven’t forgotten about the upset loss to the Broncos in 2008 and will unleash a nasty pass rush.