Rutgers traveled to Illinois as 20 point underdogs, give or take depending on the sportsbook. Isaih Pacheco who gained over 100 yards on the ground last week was ruled out. So Rutgers went into the game without their top two quarterbacks, running backs, and tight ends. But otherwise were healthy.
It was windy and on the opening kickoff Justin Davidovicz was not present (though he was suited up), so instead it was Guy Fava. There was no news of Justin being out for this game, but ironically his absence against the Fighting Illini a year ago was a huge factor early in that game.