Illinois @ Arizona State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 17, 2011 ) Arizona State 14, Illinois 17

One game into the season, Illinois already has a major injury concern. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, a three-year starter, suffered an ankle sprain and is questionable for Saturday’s game at Arizona State. Scheelhaase played well in a 24-7 victory over Western Michigan in the opener but the offense looked anemic when he was forced to the sidelines early in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Arizona State rolled over FCS foe Northern Arizona 63-6 last week in Todd Graham's coaching debut. Things will surely get more difficult this week against the Illini, which edged Arizona State 17-14 last year in Champaign, Ill. It was by far the least points the Sun Devils scored last season.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Arizona State -3

ABOUT ILLINOIS (1-0): Like Arizona State, Illinois is also led by a first-year coach in Tim Beckman, who said he wants to see Scheelhaase practice fully before he gives him the start. If Scheelhaase can’t go, Reilly O’Toole will get the nod. O’Toole played a bit last season but was only 2 of 3 passing for 7 yards on five possessions in Illinois’ opener. Scheelhaase was 11 of 18 passing for 126 yards and a touchdown last week and also rushed for another score. Illinois’ defense dominated last year’s game against the Sun Devils, notching six sacks and two interceptions and returns nearly the entire unit.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (1-0): Graham hopes to run the ball a lot this season and the Sun Devils certainly had little trouble pounding it on the ground in their opener. Arizona State rushed for 305 yards against undermanned Northern Arizona and Marion Grice had three of their seven rushing touchdowns. Cameron Marshall added two touchdowns on the ground, moving his career total to 31, eight behind the school’s all-time leader Woody Green. Quarterback Taylor Kelly was also effective completing 15 of 19 passes for 247 yards. Arizona State is 15-14 all-time against Big Ten teams.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Scheelhaase has practiced lightly since the injury and a decision on his status won’t be made until late in the week.

2. Arizona State tight end Darwin Rogers originally signed with Illinois as a quarterback but didn’t qualify academically.

3. Illinois’ defense was ranked second in the Big Ten last season.

PREDICTION: Arizona State 27, Illinois 24