Nine of the 14 Big Ten football teams appear set at quarterback heading into the fall.

14 Badgers beat Illinois 45-7 on Friday night to open the pandemic-delayed Big Ten football season. Mertz became the first-team quarterback after returning starter Jack Coan underwent foot surgery on Oct. 7, leaving him out indefinitely. After Illinois fumbled the ball away on the game’s second play from scrimmage, Mertz hit fullback Jason Stokke for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Mertz responded to Illinois’ touchdown by throwing a 34-yard completion to Ferguson and then hitting the senior tight end again for a 14-yard score with 1:06 left in the half. After Illinois went three-and-out on its next series, Mertz threw deep and found Danny Davis for a 53-yard touchdown pass with 28 seconds left until halftime.

EAST LANSING, Mich. Michigan State looks to snap a three-game losing streak when it hosts Big Ten rival Illinois on Saturday. LINE: Michigan State -14.5Illinois' run began with an upset over previously undefeated Wisconsin three weeks ago, and Lovie Smith's team has been cruising since. ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (4-4, 2-3)The Spartans have been known for their running game for a number of years, but Michigan State is 13th in the Big Ten, averaging 112.9 yards per game on the ground. Michigan State WR Darrell Stewart is second in the Big Ten in receiving yards (694) and third in receptions (47). PREDICTION: Michigan State 24, Illinois 20