Two unranked undefeated Power 5 teams will square off Saturday in a rematch of last season when Washington hosts Illinois on Saturday.
How to watch Washington vs. Illinois: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds, more
Which unimpressive 2-0 team will get to stay undefeated?
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
There is a reason neither of these teams are ranked; despite 2-0 starts to the season, neither has looked terribly impressive in any of their games. Washington even started the season ranked in the Top 25 before falling out after a close 17-16 win against Hawaii. The Huskies followed that up with a narrow 59-52 win over FCS Eastern Washington, seeing a stronger offensive performance with the return of quarterback Cyler Miles but struggling to contain Vernon Adams and the Eagles' offense.
Illinois started the season with a 28-17 win over FCS Youngstown State, following that up with a 42-34 victory over Western Kentucky. Oklahoma State transfer Wes Lunt has lived up to the preseason hype, completing 67% of his passes for 8.4 yards per attempt alongside seven touchdowns against just one interception. The Illini stand as one of the only undefeated teams in the Big Ten after a disastrous weekend for the conference.
How to witness
TV: 4 p.m. ET, FOX.
Online streaming: FOXSportsGo.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither team is ranked. Both are 2-0 on the season. Washington holds a 6-4 lead in the all-time series, defeating the Illini 34-24 last season in Champaign, Ill.
Vegas: Washington opened as a 15-point favorite. The line has since moved to 13.5. The over/under is set at 65 points.
Weather forecast: 78 degrees and sunny in Seattle, Wash.
Two things at stake
Illinois has the opportunity to take revenge after losing to the Huskies last season.
After a shaky start to the Chris Petersen era, a win over a 2-0 team would help put Washington back on track.
One big matchup
John Ross vs. Taylor Barton. Ross, a sophomore wide receiver for the Huskies, has shown his big play potential early this season. Sophomore Illinois safety Barton has also had a strong start, and will be at least partly tasked with containing Ross. The 5'11, 179-pound Ross only has four receptions this season, but he's taken them for 150 with two touchdowns (and another touchdown on the ground). Throw in his kick returning yardage, and Ross is averaging 27.4 yards per play and 164.5 all-purpose yardage per game.
Barton has been a pleasant surprise for the Illini this season, leading the team in tackles (21, with 10 solo), forcing a fumble and returning a key interception for a 77-yard touchdown against West Virginia. His starting partner at safety, senior Zane Petty, has also been playing, recording 19 tackles with two passes broken up.
Further reading
For more on Washington, check out UW Dawg Pound. For full coverage of Illinois, head to The Champaign Room.
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