Fearless predictions: Illinois

There's a lot riding on this game for Northwestern and Illinois in addition to the Land of Lincoln Trophy.

Northwestern (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten) is aiming for a 10th win for just the fourth time in school history and a better bowl game. Illinois (5-6, 2-5) is fighting for a sixth win and bowl eligibility, and possibly coach Bill Cubit's job.

So who will prevail in this grudge match that will be played for the first time at Chicago's Soldier Field? Our crack staff knows the answer.

Philip Straus

Northwestern wins if… it plays its own, game-management style, meaning it can't turn the ball over and must stay disciplined on defense by not allowing any big Illini plays.

Northwestern loses if… the offense sputters for the majority of the game, as it has been prone to do, and the defense allows just enough production out of the Illini offense to keep it close winding down the stretch.

Player of the game: Dan Vitale. The Illini defense is going to be hell-bent on stopping Justin Jackson and the Wildcat running game. Vitale should have a chance to make a big impact if the coaches target him often enough on misdirection plays and short passes.

The bottom line: After winning four straight last-minute battles, Northwestern will do its fans a favor by stepping on Illinois' throat early and not looking back over the course of a disciplined four-quarter effort.

Prediction: Northwestern 31 Illinois 13

Louie Vaccher

Northwestern wins if… The offense uses the same old tried-and-true formula: run the football, throw just enough to keep the defense honest and don't turn the ball over.

Northwestern loses if… the defense allows Wes Lunt to hit some big plays downfield in the passing game.

Player of the game: Justin Jackson. The Illini have had problems stopping the run, and Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliot and Minnesota's Shannon Brooks both had 150-plus yard rushing days against the Illini over the last two weeks. Expect No. 21 to get the rock early and often and add his name to that list.

The bottom line: Lunt is a big threat as a passer, but he's a statue back there and Northwestern's defensive line should have a field day a week after racking up six sacks against Wisconsin. Expect the offense to do just enough and the defense to dominate. But these Wildcats don't do anything the easy way, so the game will be tight and the fans will have to sweat it out again.

Prediction: Northwestern 23 Illinois 17

Larry Watts

Northwestern wins if… it doesn't suffer a letdown after the big win over Wisconsin. Jackson needs to have a big game running the ball and quarterback Clayton Thorson has to manage the offense in sustained drives.

Northwestern loses if… Illinois dominates the time of possession and the Wildcat defense is forced to play too many minutes.

Player of the game: Dean Lowry gets the edge over Deonte Gibson. Illinois will rely on the pass and Northwestern's defensive ends should thrive in the Illini backfield.

The bottom line: The last time these two teams met on a neutral field -- well, let's forget that one. Both teams have a lot to fight for. The Illini need a win to qualify for a bowl game and possibly save Coach Cubit's job. The Wildcats will be seeking revenge for last year's embarrassing loss, as well as chasing a magical 10th win and a better bowl berth. Both offenses have had trouble moving the ball, but the Wildcats have the advantage on defense and special teams.

Prediction: Northwestern 20 Illinois 14