15* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Illinois +7

Illinois vs. Purdue, 12/31/2011 16:00 EDT, Score: 60 - 75

Point Spread: +7/-105 Illinois

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

Illinois should not be catching seven points against overrated Purdue today. This line is an absolute gift from oddsmakers in a game that I fully expect the Fighting Illini to win outright.

Illinois is 12-2 this season with their only two losses coming against two of the best teams in the country in Missouri and UNLV. The Tigers are 13-0 this season while the Rebels beat North Carolina.

Purdue has played a very easy schedule with the exception of Alabama, Xavier and Butler, three teams that they lost to. None of those three teams is as good as UNLV OR Missouri.

Illinois is a perfect 7-0 ATS after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread over the last 2 seasons. The Illini are 15-6 ATS in all road games over the last 3 seasons. Roll with Illinois Saturday.