Illinois
Indiana Hoosiers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction, Odds and Picks | Pickswise
This is set to be a classic, hard-nosed Big Ten matchup between two programs that have yet to muster up any sort of momentum in 2023. Indiana has surprised people by giving Penn State a run for their money and upsetting Wisconsin outright as 7.5-point underdogs over the last two weeks. Illinois, on the other hand, has slowly but surely remained in bowl-game contention, yet all 4 of its wins this season have been decided by 6 or fewer points. Even if Illinois gets the job done this week, I think the Fighting Illini are in for another nail-biter.
At the time of writing, Illinois QB Luke Altmyer hasn’t been medically cleared to start this weekend. Although backup QB John Paddock came in and secured a come-from-behind win last time out, there could be some growing pains if he makes his first start of the season in Week 11. The Fighting Illini are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games, and I would be surprised if that streak ends against an Indiana team that’s been battling despite the poor record to show for it. With all things considered, I’m taking Indiana to cover on the road.
Indiana +6.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
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Illinois
Illinois man killed in Ross County, Ohio crash
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) — A 58-year-old man from Illinois died Friday evening after a crash on a Ross County roadway.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said that Western Springs, Illinois resident Slavisa Jovanovic was driving a Mercedes west on U.S. Route 35 just after 10:15 p.m. After driving off the right side of the road, Jovanovic’s Mercedes crashed into a tree.
He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash.
Illinois
Illinois or Northwestern? Voters picked the team they hope will win Saturday at Wrigley Field
Northwestern will be the home team Saturday against Illinois at Wrigley Field. Yes, in football. Some of you probably have been too busy sticking pins in your George McCaskey dolls to realize this was about to happen.
In this week’s “Polling Place,” your home for Sun-Times sports polls on the social platform X, we asked which team you’d rather see win the battle for the “Hat” trophy.
“It means more for Illinois,” wrote @JeffreyCanalia, referencing the Illini’s 8-3 record and opportunity to get into a New Year’s bowl game.
Next, we asked if Luke Richardson is the right coach to lead the Blackhawks into their next winning era.
“Nope,” @arrosen76 commented. “He’s not a rebuild coach. He’s a win-now coach.”
“I would like it if he stopped changing his lines so much,” @MeersmanChris offered. “Has he heard of consistency or chemistry?”
Last, we asked how often you’ve been betting on sports.
“Much, much less often than in 2020-21,” @DeyoSahler wrote. “It’s so difficult to win consistently.”
That’s true in gambling. It’s also true for pretty much all Chicago sports teams, just saying.
On to the polls:
Poll No. 1: Which team would you rather see win Saturday’s game at Wrigley Field, Illinois or Northwestern?
It’s time for this week’s “Polling Place.” Let us hear from you! Selected comments will appear in Sunday’s paper.
Poll No. 1: Which team would you rather see win Saturday’s football game at Wrigley Field, Illinois or Northwestern?
— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) November 29, 2024
Upshot: A 70-30 vote split in favor of the visiting Illini goes perfectly with the 70-30 crowd split we’re bound to see in favor of the Illini.
Poll No. 2: Is Luke Richardson the right coach to help make the Blackhawks winners again?
Poll No. 2: Is Luke Richardson the right coach to help make the Blackhawks winners again?
— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) November 29, 2024
Upshot: The Hawks went 26-49-7 for 59 points in Richardson’s first season. But then they got it together and went 23-53-6 for 52 points in his second season. Wait, is the second one worse than the first one? Never mind.
Poll No. 3: How often are you betting on sports?
Poll No. 3: How often are you betting on sports?
— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) November 29, 2024
Upshot: Don’t worry about what others are doing, OK? You just worry about picking that 11-team parlay today that’s totally going to come in.
Illinois
Detective Fatally Shot, Road Rage Slaying: Illinois News
ILLINOIS — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Illinois. Here’s a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.
Murder Charge Filed In I-80 Road Rage Shooting Death
State police responded to a 911 call of a shooting on I-80 and found a 30-year-old man who had been shot to death after a road rage-related crash, officials said.
Detective Killed In Shooting
Police said the officer, 40, was fatally shot after responding to a report of an armed person leaving a bank. The person accused in the shooting was also shot and is hospitalized, police said.
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