The Michigan State Spartans cruised to an easy victory over rivals Michigan at Ann Arbor earlier in the week, but they might face a stiffer challenge here at Illinois. The Fighting Illini had won four straight prior to a loss at Wisconsin last Sunday. One of those victories was a 59-54 upset of the Spartans at East Lansing.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - Illinois boasts a home record of 12-1 overall, while the Spartans are just 5-3 on the road. The Fighting Illini have covered the spread in five of their last seven at home.

2. Rayvonte Rice - The Fighting Illini's leading scorer didn't even play in the win over Sparty earlier this month, but he's played the last two games after missing the previous nine. He should be a factor here in his third game back since rejoining the team.

3. X-Factor - The Spartans have only covered the spread once in their last nine meetings with Illinois.

Selection: This is a play on the Illinois Fighting Illini (10*)