The Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) will play host to the visiting North Carolina Tar Heels (0-1) in a highly anticipated Big Ten/ACC match-up between two potent offensive units. The two teams enter on contrasting notes, Illinois comes in off a dominant 52-3 win against Murray State, while the Tar Heels come in off a gut-wrenching loss against the University of Georgia Bulldogs 33-24 in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game. The game will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network with a kickoff at 7:30 PM.
North Carolina came undone against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night. The Tar Heels at one point led by as much as 10 points before they unraveled before a national audience, losing to the Dawgs who scored 19 points unanswered down the backstretch. North Carolina’s typically explosive offense looked maligned and stagnant, as they were only able to accrue just over 200 yards of total offense and 89 passing yards. Georgia outplayed the Tar Heels, their emotional state heading in to this outing is ever more questionable.
Conversely, Illinois polished off Murray State in about as dominant as manner as possible. The Illini won by 49 points, as their offense exploded anchored by experienced quarterback Wes Lunt. Illinois is hungry to improve after they missed a bowl in 2015, finishing 5-7. Even without stand-out wide receiver Mike Dudek’s services available, the Illini have a prime opportunity to re-emerge with a win against the visiting Tar Heels.
- Illinois is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 fixtures.
- Tar Heels at 3-8 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
- North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 contests.