Northwestern @ Illinois preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 20, 2010 ) Illinois 48, Northwestern 27

THE STORY: Quarterback Dan Persa will make his first start for Northwestern since tearing his Achilles’ tendon last November, as the Wildcats travel to No. 22 Illinois on Saturday. Illinois is 4-0 for the first time since 1951 and is coming off a 23-20 victory over Western Michigan. Meanwhile, the Wildcats are coming off a bye week following a disappointing 21-14 loss to Army. This will be the 105th meeting between the schools. Illinois holds a 53-46-5 advantage, including last year’s 48-27 victory at Wrigley Field.

TV: ESPN2. LINE: Illinois -8.5.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten): Northwestern’s defense limited Army to just six yards passing, but gave up 381 on the ground, snapping a streak of seven straight wins against non-conference opponents. Quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Kain Colter each threw touchdown passes for the Wildcats, who will get some much-needed stability with Persa back under center. However, whether or not Persa can return to his 2010 form remains to be seen.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten): Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has completed 71 percent of his passes, and running back Troy Pollard has rushed for 10 yards per carry for an Illinois offense that has been shaky at times and brilliant at others. While Illinois leaned on its offense in its first two wins against Arkansas State and South Dakota State, it has been the play of the defense that has helped it most recently. The Fighting Illini forced three turnovers in a victory over then-No. 18 Arizona State, and last week, they held Western Michigan to just seven second-half points in a come-from-behind victory.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Illinois has lost three straight conference openers since winning 27-14 against Indiana in 2007.

2. Northwestern has won six of the last eight meetings against Illinois, including three of the last four in Champaign.

3. Illinois finished non-conference play 4-0 for the first time since 1991, which is the last time they won the Big Ten title.

PREDICTION: Illinois 34, Northwestern 27 – Illinois’ ability to stop the run will make things difficult for Persa in his first game back since suffering an injury last year.