GameThread: Illinois vs. Miami (Ohio)

It might not seem like it, but this is a pretty important game for the Illini today. With the 2-1 start there has been some talk about a possible bowl berth this season, which would be miraculous considering what expectations were before the season began.

Well, if the Illini are going to get to a bowl game this season this is simply a game they have to win. Trying to pick up four wins in conference play would just be too much for this team.

Another reason this game is important is that it could serve as somewhat of a barometer for this team. The Illini are 25-point favorites today, and I know I'd like to see them play like a 25-point favorite. Particularly since we had a bye last week, and while that seems like an advantage -- and is for most schools -- the Illini have lost ten straight games coming off a bye.

It'd be nice if that changed today with a blowout win that we can enjoy.

Illinois (2-1, 0-0) vs. Miami (Ohio) (0-3, 0-0)

Time: 11am Central
TV: Big Ten Network (Eric Collins, Chuck Long, J Leman)
Line: Illinois -25
Over/Under: 50.5
Forecast: 76 degrees, partly cloudy, winds south at 13mph

Follow The Champaign Room on Twitter at @Champaign_Room and Like us on Facebook. You can follow Tom Fornelli on Twitter at @TomFornelli.