The level of competition for Arizona State ramps up sharply for Week Two as the Sun Devils welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini to Tempe on Saturday night. After beating Northern Arizona 63-6 last week ASU will get a tougher test this weekend as Illinois comes in with a strong defense and a dangerous offense.
A big factor in the game will be the health of Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase who injured his ankle last week. The duel-threat quarterback is a game-time decision and his inclusion would give the ASU defense a lot to worry about. The Sun Devils have prepared all week as if Scheelhaase will play, but things get easier for a defense that was rarely tested by NAU.
On the offensive side of the ball, Taylor Kelly, Cameron Marshall and the ASU offense will need to show that they can move the ball and effectively score in the red zone against a strong Illini defense.
Both teams enter the game 1-0 after the Illini opened with a 24-7 win over Western Michigan last week.
Game time, TV channel: 7:30 p.m. PT, ESPN
Point spread: Despite opening as a pick 'em, ASU is currently favored by six points.
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