Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 13: Minnesota-Nebraska, Wisconsin-Iowa, & More

Nov 15, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Donovonn Young (5) carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State Nittany Lions at Illinois Fighting Illini

Line: Penn State by 6.5

Saturday Blitz Vegas Big Ten Prediction: Illinois Wins 34-21

We’re going with the upset in Illinois this week. The Fighting Illini have already proven they can beat good teams, evidenced by what they did to Minnesota a few weeks ago. With Wes Lunt, that can continue, and Penn State may not even be that good of a team.

The Nittany Lions have been reeling significantly over the past few weeks, with Christian Hackenberg’s confidence shot and the defense having to carry them through. Against Illinois, it might be a good thing to rely on defense. But even this bad of a defense could hold the Penn State offense in check for right now. James Franklin’s team is talented and has a bright future but is simply too thin and too young right now.

That is going to cost them against an Illinois team capable of scoring quickly and getting things out of hand. Penn State will make enough mistakes, and the Fighting Illini will come away with a big victory to be able to stay bowl eligible down the stretch.

Next: Ohio State-Indiana Prediction