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Illinois Heads To Camp Randall To Take On Wisconsin

Fresh off a puzzling loss, the Wisconsin Badgers will attempt to bounce back when they host a depleted Illinois Fighting Illini squad in Big Ten Conference action at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday.

The Illini receiving some devastating news over the weekend, as quarterback Wes Lunt is expected to miss four-to-six weeks due to a broken leg. Lunt suffered the injury during a 38-27 loss to Purdue last Saturday, which was the third defeat in the last four games for Illinois.

Wisconsin may not have lost such an important piece, but it took a huge hit to its Big Ten title chances when it dropped a 20-14 decision to Northwestern last weekend. The Badgers were among the nationally ranked entering the contest, but they now find themselves with a 3-2 record and an 0-1 start to the league slate.

There hasn't been much parity in this rivalry recently, with Wisconsin earning wins in eight of the last nine meetings, including a 56-32 triumph in Champaign last season. The all-time series is a bit more even, with the Badgers clinging to a 37-36-7 advantage.

It is going to be virtually impossible to replace Lunt. The Oklahoma State transfer was leading the Big Ten in passing yards per game before his injury. In fact, he was the only player in the league posting more than 300 yards a week. Reilly O'Toole has the unfortunate task of stepping in, but he has completed just 52.6 percent of his passes for 428 yards and four picks in three games this season.

Fortunately, there is skill at wide receiver for O'Toole to work with as Mike Dudek leads the Illini in receptions (33) and receiving yards (539), and is coming off an incredible 200-yard effort against Purdue. Geronimo Allison (26 receptions, 449 yards, four TDs) leads the way in touchdown receptions, and running back Josh Ferguson (25 receptions, 233 yards, two TDs) is a nice option out of the backfield.

Wisconsin is one of the best defensive teams in the Big Ten, as it leads the way in average yards allowed (285.6) and is second in scoring defense (15.6 ppg). The team has 13 sacks while giving up only four.

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