Every season tricks us a little. A bad game gets written off as a fluke and hope builds around the idea of a bounce back.

That's where Illinois is right now. Many bettors seem to think the blowout loss to Indiana was a one-off, and you can see that in the market with the line in this game against Ohio State tightening from an opening 16 points to 14.5. Maybe it is a turning point, or maybe that game was a preview of what this Fighting Illini team actually is: good and competitive, but still a step below the sport's elite.

Either way, we're about to find out when they face the No. 1 team in the country.

>> Saturday, Noon ET, FOX

Line: Ohio State-14.5

> Money line : Ohio State (-750), Illinois (+475)

> Over/Under: 49.5 (O -120, U Even)

Illinois is built to win, not break through

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