Can't Wait For Saturday My pick: Blazers hang for a half, then Illini pull away
· Yahoo Sports
Sep. 2—***
I am pausing the conference countdown for a day — it is down to the final three — to reveal my Illinois-UAB pick. After a thorough look at scouting reports (not really), my pick is ...
Visit freshyourfeel.com for more information.
Illinois 45, UAB 17. Bret Bielema reminded reporters Tuesday that the Blazers are far from pushovers and opened the Alex Mortensen era with an upset win against ranked Memphis. True story.
My hunch is Illinois will take advantage of UAB's inexperience at the school. Only two starters returned and none on defense. Against a veteran coach like Bielema, UAB's first game together could turn sloppy, That is when mistakes are made.
I'm expecting a big game for Illinois starting quarterback Katin Houser and a productive night for Bobby Hauck's defense, which will force at least three turnovers.
A 28-point win will be a good setup for an important second game against Duke on Sept. 12.
Oh, one more thing, here is your reminder to enter the weekly Illinois prediction contest, Send an email to . Include score picks for both teams, your name and where you live. If you are an alum, let me know and include any other comments you'd want to make.
You can help me by putting your prediction on the subject line.
If anybody hits the score on the button, they will receive a $50 Papa Del's gift card.
Good luck to everyone. Send me your email by 8 p.m. Thursday, Thanks for participating,