4* Big Ten SMASH

Iowa vs. Illinois, 02/26/2012 18:00 EDT, Score: 54 - 65

Point Spread: -5½/-105 Illinois

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

4* Big Ten SMASH on Illinois -5.5
Odds makers are begging for action on Iowa with this line but we won't oblige them. The Hawks have won back-to-back games at home while Illinois has dropped 6 in a row, but I fully expect the Illini to get off the snide this evening.

Iowa has not been the same team on the road, where it has dropped 5 in a row by an average of 15.8 points. And, the Hawkeyes have had absolutely no luck in Champagne, where they have lost 10 straight by an average of 13 points.

Illinois holds home wins over Ohio State and Michigan State so there's no questioning the potential of this team. I expect it all to come together for the Illini in this motivated spot.