By Greg Mroz
Here are three things to watch for before NU faces Illinois
1. Injuries for Northwestern will be critical. Kyle Prater listed as doubtful appeared on senior day in street clothes. Prater was Siemian’s main target in the Notre Dame and Purdue games. It will be very interesting to see who becomes Zack Oliver’s main target. Look for it to be Cameron Dickerson who has been very active the past few weeks.
2. Who starts for Illinois? Wes Lunt has the greater big play capability but has been prone to mistakes. Reilly O’Toole kept the Illini’s bowl hopes alive against Penn State. Both could play, but if Lunt is effective expect him to get the majority of the playing time.
3. The effectiveness of Justin Jackson will depend on NU’s ability to throw. If the Wildcat’s can throw effectively, that will open up the ground game nicely for Jackson