I suspected the Big Ten to be overrated with overinflated lines in this NCAA Tournament. Judging by Thursday's results that perception could be true. Iowa was upset by Richmond and Indiana was blown out by St. Mary's. That's a danger sign for Illinois, which was upset by the Hooisers in the Big Ten Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

There's also recent history. The Illini were a No. 1 seed last season in the NCAA Tourney and lost to Loyola of Chicago in the second round as a seven-point favorite.

Illinois is just 4-3 in its last seven games with none of its victories during this time frame coming by more than eight points.

Tennessee Chattanooga is a dangerous opponent for Illinois because the Mocs can keep Kofi Cockburn from dominating the paint with 6-foot-10 Avery Diggs and 6-9 Silvio De Sousa. They also have a dominant scorer in guard Malachi Smith, who averages 20.1 points while shooting 50.5 percent from the floor.

The Mocs are 16-6-1 ATS the past 23 times as an underdog.