Illinois, Wisconsin release injury report ahead of B1G opener

Kickoff is less than an hour away, and both Illinois and No. 14 Wisconsin have released their injury reports for Friday night’s B1G West showdown.

Prior to the opening kickoff of the B1G season, the Fighting Illini and Badgers both released their injury updates for the Week 1 matchup. Illinois will be without five players for the opener, while Wisconsin will have four absences.

Below is the list from both Illinois and Wisconsin:

Out at Wisconsin

DL Isaiah Gay
DB Michael Marchese
WR Trevon Sidney
DB Devon Witherspoon
OL Blake Jeresaty (season)

— Illini Stats & Notes (@IlliniStats) October 23, 2020

Only four #Badgers not available…but this does not include players not in two-deep or expected to make significant contribution. pic.twitter.com/UXAi2zWMBi

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 23, 2020

Wisconsin is a heavy favorite entering the Friday night game, currently on the right side of a 20-point spread. But the Badgers were big favorites last season against the Fighting Illini and lost 24-23 thanks to a game-winning field goal from James McCourt.

Last fall, Wisconsin was the winner of the B1G West, finishing the year with a 10-4 record. Illinois was bowl eligible for the first time under Lovie Smith and ended the season with a 6-7 record.

Friday night marks the first game of the 2020 season in the B1G.