Maryland has lost five consecutive games and fired head coach Mike Locksley, creating a rudderless, lame-duck environment that historically kills effort and execution. Illinois, meanwhile, is riding momentum after a stunning upset of Oregon and is 4-3 with bowl aspirations on the line. While Illinois does carry several players listed as out, Maryland's complete coaching chaos and a 2-5 record make the Illini the clear situational play laying just -2.5 on the road.