Joel Klatt reveals prediction for Illinois at Washington

While it might now be a Big Ten matchup, there is a good amount of history between Illinois and Washington. This will be the 12th ever meeting between the two, dating back to 1950. Illinois has traveled to Seattle on five occasions and writes another West Coast chapter on Saturday.

As for who is going to wind up winning, FOX’s Joel Klatt is going with Washington. Not but much, though, and within the number. Klatt may not feel too confident about the spread being as large as it is but push comes to shove, he is taking the Huskies to win.

“I think Washington at home is the pick here,” Klatt said. “Now, Washington is favored by 4.5. Don’t love that. But if Washington were to win this one 28-24 as the home team and then Illinois gets the 4.5? … I’ve got to take Illinois and the 4.5.”

This comes with a little bit of hesitation from Klatt. Overall, he expressed some personal frustration with how the Washington offense has performed in recent weeks. Particularly in the first half, where the starts have been slower.

Klatt thinks there is a book out there on how to stop Washington. Whether or not Illinois can take advantage, we will have to see.

“I haven’t loved how Washington has played the last few weeks,” Klatt said. “In particular in the first half. The offense has sputtered. The blueprint is kind of out there. Keep Demond Williams in the pocket, play zone coverage.”

What ultimately got Klatt over the hump is Washington playing at home. The crowd certainly will get involved, as they always do at Husky Stadium. Illinois certainly has its own offensive tendencies, an area the defense can take advantage of with over 70,000 people rooting them on.

“That is still a really tough place to play,” Klatt said. “And I think that you’re going to get that type of game with the crowd into it and that Washington defense knowing the tendencies of Illinois.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT, one where Illinois’ body clock will obviously be further ahead. Both teams enter 2-2 in Big Ten play and wins are almost required at this point. Falling too far behind in the race to Indianapolis is certainly possible this time of year, considering who is setting the pace. Klatt likes Washington to be the one who gets the job done.

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