Missouri defeated Illinois 40-34 last season. The Tigers lead the series 14-7 and are 4-1 in St. Louis.
With Rashard Mendenhall going to the NFL, Illinois will rely on the arm and legs of Juice Williams to carry the offense. If Williams throws for at least 295 yards in this game he will surpass Jeff George for seventh on the Illini passing list. However, Juice won’t have to do everything by himself. Sophomore wide receiver Arrelious Benn and running back Daniel Dufrene will help carry the load.
Gary Pinkel is entering his eighth season at Missouri and last season’s 12-2 record was by far his best as the Tigers head coach. To prevent a letdown Pinkel will rely on senior quarterback Chase Daniel and super sophomore Jeremy Maclin. In 2007 Daniel set the school record for passing yards (4,306) and touchdowns thrown (33). Maclin can score by air, ground and kick return. Last season he gained 2,776 all-purpose yards, good for an NCAA freshman record.
If this year’s game is half as entertaining as last year’s game everybody watching will be in for a treat. Illinois has never won in the Edward Jones Dome. After defeating Missouri they will have a 1-3 record in the dome.
Illinois 20, Missouri 17
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