Sept. 18--TV/radio: 11 a.m. Saturday; ESPN2, WSCR-AM 670.
Line: North Carolina by 9.
Records: Illinois 2-0; North Carolina 1-1.
Last meeting: North Carolina won 34-14 on Sept. 5, 1987, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
On the offensive: Illinois ranks 12th nationally with 48 points per game, the most scoring by an Illini team through two games since 1944. The passing game has been exceptional behind QB Wes Lunt (151.8 passing efficiency rating).
Getting defensive: The Illini have been opportunistic with five interceptions in two games. That could be a key. Marquise Williams threw three picks in the Tar Heels' opening loss to South Carolina.
The number: 1.5. Points per game the Illini defense has allowed, tied for first in the nation.
The talk: Can the Illini win a nonconference game away from home? It has been a struggle in recent years.
Shannon Ryan's pick: The Illini defense will frazzle Williams and earn a significant road win to keep momentum rolling. Illinois 28, North Carolina 21.
