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Greetings from “Can’t Wait For Saturday,” your morning morsel of college football, courtesy of longtime Illini beat writer, AP Top 25 voter and Heisman state rep Bob Asmussen. He’ll give you his views each day on the game he loves.
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At the start of each week, one of the first things I do is take a look at the college point spreads. Not to gamble, but to see what the oddsmakers are thinking about Illinois and the rest of the Big Ten.
I fully expected to see Bret Bielema’s team listed as 7- to 10-point favorite for Saturday’s trip to Maryland. Instead, Illinois is a 2 1/2-point choice against the Terrapins.
Why? Perhaps history. Other than Maryland’s blowout win in 2018 that I pin mostly on the shoulders of Lovie Smith, the teams have played close games.
Maryland won by three in Bielema’s first season and the Illini got revenge with a victory in College Park in 2023.
Who am I to go against the trend? I’m taking the visitors 27-24, with the lead score coming on a Michael Clayton to Collin Dixon pass late in the fourth quarter. That play will give Dixon his school’s single-season touchdown record with at least four more games to go.
Maryland can’t be taken lightly by Illinois despite its lackluster record. Playing at home always helps.
So. you know what I think. Now it is your turn. A reminder to email your predictions to [email protected]. Include the scores both teams along with your name, where you live now and if you are an alum. Send me any other information you care to share.
Don’t forget the early kickoff. Turn in your picks by 11 a.m. Saturday.
If anybody hits the score on the button, they will win a $50 gift card to Papa Del’s.
If you want to make my job easier, please include your predicted score on the subject line.
Good luck and have a great weekend.
Bob Asmussen is a college football reporter and columnist for The News-Gazette. He can be reached at 217-393-8248 or [email protected].
