Week 1: Illinois vs Missouri

A year ago, the Tigers and Illini played a classic opener, a wild 40-34 Missouri win, yet few people outside the fan bases paid much attention. They’ll be watching the Arch Rivalry now. Both teams took off in 2007, commanding attention that carries over to 2008. It may be just Week 1 of the college football season, but this matchup carries major implications in the national title hunt. Mizzou is the favorite, ranked No. 6/7 in the two major polls, and sensing a run at the Big 12 title. But Illinois, at No. 19/20, is stout itself and carrying hopes of upsetting the Ohio State dominance that has ruled the Big Ten of late.

Saturday’s winner gains credibility as a legit contender. The loser must start over in building respect.

The quarterbacks – Mizzou’s Chase Daniel and the Illini’s Juice Williams – are special. Daniel, who threw for 4,306 yards and 33 touchdowns a year ago, rates among the early Heisman Trophy contenders. Williams and his dual-threat skills strike fear for enemy defensive coordinators.

More excitement comes from a pair of breakout freshmen wideouts of a year ago: the Tigers’ Jeremy Maclin and the Illini’s Arrelious Benn.

The Tigers return 10 starters on defense, including All-American candidates in linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (127 tackles) and safety William Moore (eight interceptions), who know what to expect from Williams — if that helps. The Illini rely on a veteran and dominant defensive line.

Notes:

Juice Williams was knocked out of last year’s game, left to watch backup Eddie McGee try to keep pace with Daniel.

Mizzou is facing a possible critical loss, with senior linebacker Van Alexander still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in spring drills. Alexander is doubtful.

Illinois coach Ron Zook still hadn’t decided on a place kicker by mid-week. He’s sorting from among a crowd of four — freshman Derek Dimke, sophomore Matt Brandabur, redshirt freshman Matt Eller and junior Michael Cklamovski.

The Illini lost the Big Ten’s leading rusher, Rashard Mendenhall, who left early for the NFL, leaving the team searching for replacements.

Player to Watch (Tigers) – Jeremy Maclin, WR

Maclin’s varied skills make him one of the most exciting players on the field – any field. Running, receiving, returning kicks, Maclin can do it all. And Tigers coach Gary Pinkel is looking for ways to feature Maclin even more, after he ran for 375 yards, caught 51 passes for 1,055 yards and wreaked havoc as a return man, taking three kicks for touchdowns.

Player to Watch (Illini) – Juice Williams, QB

Much of the chatter throughout preseason has revolved around the improved passing of Williams. It better be improved. Williams ranked last among Big Ten passers a year ago, averaging just 134 yards per game. With some uncertainty in the backfield, Williams – the team’s second-leading rusher with 755 yards – may be forced to pick up even more of the rushing load.

Missouri by 9