Fresno is a very balanced team especially on defense where it can stop the run and it's been tested by plenty of teams that can run the ball including Nevada, Boise, and Miss to name a few as they have faced six teams in the top 55 in running the ball. That's the only thing Illinois really does is run the ball with their beast Mikel Leshoure who has 1371 yards rushing on the year. Illinois has really been clicking as of late averaging 46.8ppg and they deserve to be favorites in this spot, but they don't remember what a defense looks like as they have faced and average 86th total defense and 89th scoring defense in their last 5. Fresno matches up and can stop the run in my opinion. Illinois will also face a good running game despite Fresno's Robbie Rouse looking doubtful to play. They'll have the back up Ellis ready as he ran for 55 yards on 11 carries vs. Idaho last week. The defense for Fresno is also playing well giving up just 3 pts to a high powered Idaho passing game a week ago through 3 quarters. Fresno will get to Illinois QB as they have 33 sacks on the season 10 by Chris Carter.
Again this is a tough schedule for Illinois after they have not much to play for they are already calling their season a success from last year. This will be a late start and the travel for Illinois will have an impact just ask Cincinnati who traveled to lose by 2 TD's at Fresno in the beginning of the year.
