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Greetings from “Can’t Wait For Saturday,” your morning college football piece, courtesy of longtime Illini Beat writer, AP Top 25 voter and Heisman state Rep. Bob Asmussen . He will give you his opinion every day on the game he loves

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Congratulations to Art Hasse of Grand Rapids, Michigan, for winning this week’s prediction contest. A 1962 UI graduate who grew up in Staunton, Art had estimated a score of 24-21 to be just five points short of the actual score of 25-17. Great work from Varsity I member and I-FUND and ICONN supporter.

Not only is Art a graduate, but so are his daughter and grandson. Family ties are cool.

So, as you know, there will be no game against Illinois this week. But I still want to organize a competition. My first thought would be to pick the Michigan State game, as the Spartans will be next to play Illinois. Unfortunately, Michigan State is also off this weekend.

After much thought – OK, about two seconds – I’ve decided to ask you to pick a game involving a team that I know Illinois fans love to hate. Let’s try Michigan at Indiana.

All you have to do is email your score predictions to [email protected]. Include your name, where you live, and let me know if you graduated from Illinois. This week I’m also asking you to tell me what you think of UM in general. Remember this is a family newspaper. I will include some of your responses.

Kick-off is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, so you have time. If you want to make my life easier, put your score prediction in the subject line.

If someone meets the score, you receive a $50 Papa Del’s gift card. I was there today for lunch.

Have a good weekend and good picking.

Bob Asmussen is a college football reporter and columnist for The News-Gazette. He can be reached at 217-393-8248 or [email protected].