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Illinois was winless in the Big Ten last season.
Syracuse was winless in the Big East.
The Orange has lost 11 straight games after dropping a 20-13 heartbreaker in double-overtime at home against 16th-ranked Iowa last week.
Illinois coach Ron Zook believes the score of the Iowa game was indicative of Syracuse’s capabilities.
“They’re about as good a team as I’ve ever seen that only has won one game [in two seasons],” Zook said.
The Orange’s plus-2.5 turnover margin is the second best in Division I.
Syracuse ranks 19th in fewest penalty yards allowed at 31.5 per game.
Last season, Syracuse was the least-penalized team in the Big East with 67 yards assessed in seven games.
