This is an 8* PLAY on Marquette.

Both teams are 2-0, but Illinois has played two cream-puffs and I expect it to take a step back here against stiffer competition. I'm not calling for an outright upset, but I do think the stage is set for a competitive battle.

The Illini went 24-7 overall last year and 16-4 in the Big Ten. Kofi Cockburn is back, he averaged 17.7 points and 9.5 boards last year (he's out till Nov. 21st still though!)

The Golden Eagles brought in Shaka Smart from Texas. He has five new faces starting on his team this year. Darryl Morsell had 28 points and five assists in his team's latest win.

With a lengthy break before a game against Notre Dame on the 29th, I think Illinois gets caught looking ahead as well.

Smart has to rebuild from the ground up, but I think his team will be much more competitive than what the oddsmakers are trying ot lead us to believe.

Grab the points, the play is MARQUETTE.

Good luck, NP