Lockdown: Week 13 quick hit

By Nate Sandstrom

It's a quick version tonight that will feature more explanation depending on how early I can get up tomorrow.

Illinois (-3) at Northwestern

It's been an up and down year for the Illini, who beat Iowa and took Missouri to the end, yet lost to Western Michigan and just got past UL-Lafayette. But Illinois-Northwestern means more than the battle for Sweet Sioux this year — Illinois needs a win for bowl eligibility. The more desperate team gets this one.

Pick: Illinois 31 Northwestern 21

Upset Special: Tampa Bay at Detroit (+290)

There's been only one winless team in NFL history, the 0-14 Buccaneers. So wouldn't it be fitting if they were to provide the Lions with their first win of the season?

Not that that fact is anything to make a bet on, but I actually like the improvement the Lions offense has shown over the past month. The Bucs meanwhile struggled to get a road win at Kansas City two weeks ago and I'm banking on them looking past another inferior opponent.

Pick: Detroit 28 Tampa Bay 24