*8* play on Ohio State.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be in Illinois tonight, and they have had plenty of success in previous meetings with the Illini. The Buckeyes are 5-3 in conference play, and this is a must win game if they want to remain a factor in the BIG10. My money is on Ohio State.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Buckeyes have won eight of their last 10 versus Illinois, and two of those wins came at Illinois. The Illini have covered the spread just twice in their last 11 home games.

2. Battle on the Boards - Ohio State is averaging 35.8 rebounds per game this season, while Illinois is averaging just 28.4. The Buckeyes dominated the glass in a home win over Illinois earlier this season, out-rebounding the Illini 42-33.

3. X-Factor - 6"11 forward Mike Thorne Jr. is questionable to play tonight due to a knee injury. If he can't go, the Illini will miss him, he's averaged 12.9 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Selection: This is a play on the Ohio State Buckeyes (8*)