*10* MASSACRE on Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Badgers didn't look like a contender in the BIG10 earlier this season, but they come into tonight's home game versus Illinois as winners of seven of their last eight overall. This is a must win game for the Badgers, who are still in the middle of the pack in the conference, and I expect them to take care of business at home.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - Wisconsin has dominated this series, winning nine straight since 2011. They've won their last three home games against Illinois by an average margin of over 20 points. The Illini are just 5-15-1 in the last 21 meetings between the two teams.

2. Home Cookin' - The Illini have lost five of their seven road games, and they have failed to cover in five of their last six versus teams with a winning record. The Badgers have covered the spread in four straight in Madison.

3. X-Factor - This Illinois team has been decimated by injuries, with Mike Thorne, Leron Black and Tracy Abrams all sidelined indefinitely.

Selection: This is a play on the Wisconsin Badgers (10*)