The Illinois Fighting Illini (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) and the Wisconsin Badgers (2-2, 0-1) meet Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Illinois vs. Wisconsin odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Fighting Illini are a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS at home this season, including an impressive 31-0 shutout win against a good FCS team, Chattanooga, Sept. 22. However, Illinois did lose its only road game — its conference opener — at Indiana Sept. 2.
The Badgers are looking to rebound after being pounded 52-21 at Ohio State last week in their conference opener. Wisconsin has alternated wins and losses in each of its first 4 games.
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Illinois at Wisconsin odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:17 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Illinois +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Wisconsin -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +6.5 (-105) | Wisconsin -6.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Illinois at Wisconsin picks and predictions
Prediction
Wisconsin 27, Illinois 20
Moneyline
Wisconsin (-280) should be able to push past Illinois and former head coach Bret Bielema, but it’s certainly not a guarantee considering how inconsistent the Badgers have performed to date. This is the 90th meeting between the schools and it’s going to be close, so look to the points instead.
Illinois hasn’t won in Madison since 2002, and that streak should continue.
PASS.
Against the spread
WISCONSIN -6.5 (-120) is worth playing very lightly. The Badgers have won 11 of the past 12 meetings between these sides, and until Illinois starts to turn the tables in the series a little bit, you have to stay with the tried and true.
If this line were a flat 7, or a 7 and a hook, the Illini would be a little more tempting. However, Wisconsin has won 5 of the past 6 meetings, taking each game by 14 or more points.
Over/Under
The OVER 43.5 (-108) is perhaps the best play on the board here.
Wisconsin can score points, despite the erratic play of QB Graham Mertz. This team is averaging 34.8 points per game, while yielding 19.0 PPG.
Surprisingly, Illinois has shown off tremendous defense this season, allowing 6 or fewer points in 3 of its 4 games. But each of those performances was at home. It allowed 23 points in a loss at Indiana in its lone road game. The offense also can score, averaging 28.8 PPG.
This game won’t be mistaken for a track meet or video game, but the total is awfully low.
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