Tag: Illinois Fighting Illini betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Illinois vs. Alabama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Illinois vs. Alabama odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) and the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1) meet Wednesday at Legacy Arena at BJCC in Birmingham, Ala. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Illinois vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Fighting Illini have picked up 3 wins with 2 covers, but really, Illinois has yet to be tested. The Illini have victories over the Eastern Illinois Panthers, the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. It won 66-54 against Oakland last time out on Nov. 13, failing to cover as a 23.5-point favorite as the Under (151) cashed for the second straight time.

The Crimson Tide is looking to rebound after an 87-78 loss at the No. 6 Purdue Boilermakers on Friday night as a 4-point favorite, pushing against the total (165) at most shops. The Tide has failed to cover in 3 in a row since a 110-54 win over UNC Asheville on Nov. 4 in the opener. The Under is 3-0-1.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

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Illinois vs. Alabama odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:59 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Illinois +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Alabama -385 (bet $385 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +8.5 (-110) | Alabama -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 167.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Illinois vs. Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 88, Illinois 77

Moneyline

Alabama (-385) will cost you near 4 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward, especially in a battle between ranked teams.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Play ALABAMA -8.5 (-110) in this neutral-floor battle against Illinois +8.5 (-110).

The Crimson Tide is coming off a bummer of a loss at Purdue, so Alabama will come into this game in Birmingham looking to get back on track with an impressive performance.

Illinois hasn’t played anybody this season, while Alabama has faced a top-tier opponent in hostile territory.

Over/Under

UNDER 167.5 (-105) is worth a look in Birmingham in this battle of ranked teams.

The Under is 3-0-1 in 4 games for Alabama, while the total has gone low in each of the past 2 games for Illinois. We’re going to see a similar amount of points to the Alabama-Purdue game, and it will be a close shave, so go lightly.

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Alex’s best bet: Minnesota at Illinois prediction

SportsbookWire.com’s Alex White likes a side in Saturday’s NCAA football game between Minnesota and Illinois.

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SportsbookWire.com’s Alex White looks to start a new streak after her run of 7 consecutive winning college football best bets came to an end last week.

This Saturday, Alex likes a side in a Big Ten matchup featuring the Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) at the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2, 3-2). Kickoff from Champaign is scheduled for noon ET and will be on FS1.

Illinois might be ranked No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but BetMGM Sportsbook has Minnesota favored by 3 points as of Friday, 8:55 p.m. ET.

Listen below to why this is Alex’s best bet.

Make sure to catch Alex on Sports By the Book Saturday 11 a.m.-noon ET, and Sunday through Wednesday noon-1 p.m. ET, and on Punch Lines every Monday and Wednesday 3 p.m.-4 p.m. ET — live from the South Point Sportsbook in Las Vegas. Follow @alexwhitee on Twitter/X.

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Minnesota at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota at Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) and the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2, 3-2) meet Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Minnesota vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Minnesota notched its third straight win by defeating Maryland 48-23 in Week 9, covering the spread as 6-point home favorites while going over the 45-point total. QB Max Brosmer excelled, completing 26-of-33 passes for 320 yards and 4 TDs. WRs Daniel Jones and Elijah Spencer combined for 15 catches, 216 yards and the 4 TDs. Additionally, the Gophers’ defense intercepted 2 passes, including a Pick-6.

Illinois lost 38-9 against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks, failing to cover the spread as 23-point road underdogs while the Under (53.5) hit. The Illinois  defense struggled significantly, allowing a staggering 527 total yards (298 passing, 229 rushing). QB Luke Altmyer had a rough outing, throwing for just 161 yards and 2 INTs.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Minnesota vs. Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 6:06 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Minnesota -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Illinois +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Minnesota -3 (-105) | Illinois +3 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Minnesota vs. Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Minnesota 21, Illinois 14

Moneyline

PASS.

I’m backing Minnesota’s (-145) momentum, but don’t like the moneyline odds. Instead, I’ll take my chances betting on the spread.

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Against the spread

BET MINNESOTA -3 (-105).

The Gophers lead the all-time series 40-33-3, but haven’t won since 2020. Illinois has won 3 straights, including 27-26 in Minneapolis last season.

However, the Fighting Illini have struggled recently, losing 3 of their last 4 November games at Memorial Stadium and failing to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 matchups against non-AP-ranked teams there.

Conversely, Minnesota has covered the spread in its last 4 games and is finding its rhythm. While backing a home underdog can be tempting, Illinois seems like one of the more suspect 6-2 teams, barely beating the Purdue Boilermakers and getting dominated by Oregon. With the Gophers’ defense ranked 12th nationally, allowing just 16.7 points per game, they look well-positioned for a win.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 45.5 (-110).

Minnesota prides itself on its defense, and that strength is expected to shine again in this matchup. The Gophers will likely focus on ball control, as coach P.J. Fleck looks to grind out a win. This season, Minnesota’s totals are evenly split at 4-4, averaging 45 total points per game, while Illinois has hit the Under in 6 of 8 games, averaging 48 total points. With both defenses ready to step up, this game is likely to be low-scoring, with a final total around 34 or 35 points.

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Illinois at Oregon odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Illinois at Oregon odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) and the No. 1 Oregon Ducks (7-0, 4-0) meet Saturday at Autzen Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Illinois vs. Oregon odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Illinois pulled off a 21-7 upset over the then-No. 22 Michigan Wolverines last Saturday, winning outright as a 5-point home underdog with the Under (44.5) hitting. The Fighting Illini saw their lead trimmed to 13-7 before halftime but held the Wolverines scoreless in the 2nd half. Despite being outgained 322-267, Illinois capitalized on turnovers, winning that battle 3-0. QB Luke Altmyer threw for 80 yards and a touchdown and added a 1-yard TD run in the 3rd quarter, while RBs Aidan Laughery (54 rushing yards, 9 carries) and Josh McCray (50 yards, 17 carries) led the ground attack.

Oregon remained unbeaten with a dominant 35-0 shutout at the Purdue Boilermakers Friday, Oct. 18, covering as a 30-point favorite with the Under (61) cashing. With Georgia knocking off then-No. 1 Texas last Saturday, the Ducks were voted No. 1 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll — Texas fell to 6th, while Georgia climbed 2 spots to No. 2. Oregon outgained Purdue 421-301 yards, won the turnover battle 2-1 and converted 5 of 9 third downs. Heisman hopeful QB Dillon Gabriel threw for 290 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, while RB Jordan James rushed for 50 yards and 2 TDs.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Illinois vs. Oregon odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 4:23 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Illinois +900 (bet $900 to win $100) | Oregon -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +21.5 (-115) | Oregon -21.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Illinois vs. Oregon picks and predictions

Prediction

Oregon 24, Illinois 13

Moneyline

PASS.

Despite several injuries, Oregon (-1600) should win this game at home in Eugene, but I like Illinois (+900) to play hard and keep this game tight. I’ll PASS on a moneyline play and take my wager to the spread.

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Against the spread

BET ILLINOIS +21.5 (-115).

Taking Illinois presents strong value, especially considering the Oregon’s key injury concerns. Oregon might be without DE Jordan Burch, a vital part of their defense with 19 tackles and 5 sacks, and TE Terrance Ferguson, who has been a reliable target with 321 yards and 20 receptions.

Meanwhile, Illinois has shown it can hang tough against top competition, with its victory over Michigan and a 21-7 loss at current No. 3 Penn State. The Illini defense has been solid, forcing turnovers and creating pressure, while QB Altmyer has demonstrated a knack for protecting the ball. If the Illini can keep things close early, they have a good chance to stay within this large spread, making the +21.5 line a favorable bet.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 54.5 (-110).

Taking the Under looks like a smart bet, considering both teams’ defensive strengths and Illinois’ struggles on offense. While the Illini pulled off a surprising win against Michigan, they managed just 21 points, relying heavily on the defense to get the job done. Altmyer has been inconsistent, often struggling to stretch the field, and the Illini haven’t scored more than 24 points in last 3 of their last 4 games.

Oregon’s defense has been a strength, allowing only 16.6 points per game to rank 13th nationally. They excel at putting pressure on quarterbacks and forcing turnovers, which can keep Illinois’ scoring in check. Meanwhile, the Illini’s defense is no slouch — it creates disruption and can force key turnovers.

If Illinois can hold Oregon to field goals and prevent red-zone success, the game is likely to stay UNDER 54.5 (-110).

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Michigan at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Michigan at Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) welcome the No. 22 Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1) to Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Michigan vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Illinois is No. 21 and Michigan is No. 22 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

The Fighting Illini are coming off one of the most thrilling Week 7 games in which they beat Purdue 50-49 in overtime, failing to cover as a 22.5-point home favorite. Illinois is 4-1-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 2-1 ATS in conference play. It lost 21-7 to No. 3 Penn State on the road in its game before that Week 7 battle.

Michigan is coming off its 2nd loss of the season before their bye week. In Week 6, it lost 27-17 to the Washington Huskies on the road, failing to cover as a 1.5-point underdog. The Wolverines are 1-5 ATS on the season and 1-2 ATS in conference play. They have uncharacteristically allowed 24 or more points in 4 of their last 5 games.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Michigan at Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Michigan -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Illinois +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Michigan -4.5 (-110) | Illinois +4.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Michigan at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 27, Michigan 21

Moneyline

BET ILLINOIS (+160).

Illinois struggles with run defense, and that was clear against Purdue. However, the Boilermakers had the ability to pass, and Michigan doesn’t. The Wolverines had just 113 passing yards against Washington, and that inability will allow Illinois to stack the box. The Fighting Illini are 4-0 at home and 2-1-1 ATS. They have a huge road win over Nebraska on their resume as well.

Michigan is 0-1 on the road and lost to an unranked Washington side. This is just its 2nd road game, and it has yet to top 30 in a single game this season, suggesting it may struggle to keep pace with a high-octane Illinois offense.

Put it all together and take the risk the Fighting Illini keep their strong play alive. Back ILLINOIS (+160).

Against the spread

PASS.

While Illinois has a playable spread, the risk is there to take it on the moneyline instead. The Fighting Illini to win outright is the suggest play here.

Over/Under

BET OVER 44.5 (-110).

The Wolverines have gone Over in 3 straight games, scoring 27 or more in 3 of their last 4 as well. Their defense has struggled to keep teams off the board, allowing 24 or more in 3 straight.

With Illinois, it has scored at least 30 in 3 of its last 4 and is 2-1 O/U in Big Ten play. While it allowed 26 points through its first 3 games, Illinois has allowed at least 21 in 3 straight games. Expect those issues defensively to continue.

Back OVER 44.5 (-110).

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Purdue at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Purdue at Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Purdue Boilermakers (1-4, 0-2 Big Ten) take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1, 1-1) at Memorial Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Purdue vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Outside of a 49-0 trouncing of the Indiana State Sycamores to open the season, Purdue has been bullied. Notre Dame (66-7), Oregon State (38-21), Nebraska (28-10) and Wisconsin (52-6) made Boilermakers fans wish they never left the pre-game tailgating activities. Purdue had 117 passing yards and 99 rushing yards in a touchdown-less loss to Wisconsin last time out.

Illinois, No. 23 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, fell 21-7 at Penn State 2 weeks ago before the bye. They covered as 19-point dogs in the affair and are 4-0-1 ATS on the year. QB Luke Altmyer was 16-for-25 for 185 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT against PSU. He also had the dubious line of 15 rushes for -28 yards. How do you accomplish that with a long rush of 13 yards? He looked great before that, though, with 10 TDs and 1 INT overall.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Purdue at Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at Friday at 5:39 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Purdue +1000 (bet $100 to win $1000) | Illinois -2000 (bet $2000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Purdue +22.5 (-110) | Illinois -22.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Purdue at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 34, Purdue 10

Moneyline

There is absolutely nothing to see here. The Illini should roll, but no thanks to the -2000.

PASS.

Against the spread

Purdue is now the biggest underdogs it has been all season after combining to score 16 points the last 2 weeks. The Boilers have won 4 straight in this matchup, but they are clearly inferior talent-wise this season. U of I is an up-and-comer, and they’re coming. Take ILLINOIS -22.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Illinois is 1-4 O/U this season and has averaged 22.8 points per game over their last 4 games. Purdue is 3-2 O/U despite scoring 10 or fewer points in 3 of 4 games. I expect the Illini to establish a big lead and work the clock on the ground. They have big games coming up against Michigan and Oregon, and I don’t expect the pedal to be pressed to the metal.

Give me the UNDER 48.5 (-115).

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Illinois at Penn State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Illinois at Penn State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) visit the 8th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0, 0-0) Saturday for a Big Ten showdown. Kickoff from Beaver Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Illinois vs. Penn State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Illinois picked up a 31-24 OT win at the Nebraska Cornhuskers Sept. 20, covering as a 9.5-point underdog. The Illini trailed 24-17 early in the 4th but tied it with 10:36 to go on QB Luke Altmyer’s 6-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Henderson and the ensuing extra point. Altmyer’s 4th TD pass — a 4-yarder to WR Pat Bryant — gave the Illinois the lead in OT and the defense responded with 3 sacks in extra frame to seal the come-from-behind victory.

Penn State crushed the visiting Kent State Golden Flashes 56-0 last Saturday, covering as a 49-point favorite. The Nittany Lions held the Golden Flashes to just 66 yards (48 rushing, 18 passing) and 6 first downs — Penn State’s offense finished with 718 yards and 40 first downs. QB Drew Allar threw for 309 yards and 3 TDs in the rout, while backup QB Beau Pribula and TE Tyler Warren each tossed a TD.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Illinois at Penn State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 9:21 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Illinois +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Penn State -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +17.5 (-105) | Penn State -17.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Illinois at Penn State picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 34, Illinois 21

Moneyline

PASS.

Penn State (-900) will come away with the win as the big favorite, but the price is not worth the risk of betting on. Back the spread and/or O/U instead.

Against the spread

LEAN ILLINOIS +17.5 (-105).

Penn State has yet to face tough competition this season. It allowed a so-so Bowling Green team to stay within 1 score in its 2nd game, a 34-27 home victory as a 34-point favorite.

I expect Illinois to come out with some urgency that may shock Penn State. Look for this to be a tight game early with the Nittany Lions slightly pulling away in the 2nd half, but not enough to cover the 17.5 points.

This is a lean because the numbers say that Penn State is simply the better team and there is potential for Illinois to get blown out here.

Over/Under

BET OVER 47.5 (-115).

Illinois has a defense that is, at best, middle of the pack in the Big Ten as it allows 292.2 yards per game, according to NCAA.com. On the other side, Penn State’s offense ranks 7th in the country with 537.7 yards per game.

Penn State averages 41.3 points per game, while Illinois averages 32.3, so the averages say this game should blow well past the Over of 47.5.

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Illinois at Nebraska odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Illinois at Nebraska odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) travel to meet the Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) Friday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln for the Big Ten opener for both teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Illinois vs. Nebraska odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Fighting Illini have fired out of the chute with 3 consecutive victories to start the season, including a 23-17 win over the previously ranked Kansas Jayhawks on Sept. 7 as a 5-point underdog.

Defense has been a major reason for the success of the Illini, as they’ve allowed just 26 total points, with 13.0 points per game allowed (PPG) against 2 FBS opponents. The Under is 3-0 in 3 games for Illinois.

The Cornhuskers are also playing good football under coach Matt Rhule, as they’ve finally turned the corner after numerous disappointing seasons. Nebraska is not only 3-0 straight up (SU), but also against the spread (ATS). The Under is 3-0, too, allowing just 8.5 PPG in 2 games against FBS foes.

Nebraska is No. 22 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Illinois at Nebraska odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:47 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Illinois +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Nebraska -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +8.5 (-115) | Nebraska -8.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Illinois at Nebraska picks and predictions

Prediction

Nebraska 24, Illinois 17

Moneyline

Nebraska (-350) will set you back 3 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

This should be a very good game, with plenty of defense, and somebody is going to come out of this with a 4-0 SU record.

PASS.

Against the spread

Play ILLINOIS +8.5 (-115), as it should be able to keep this within 1 score in a tough conference opener for both.

The Fighting Illini are looking to pay the Huskers back for a 20-7 loss in Champaign last Oct. 6. However, Illinois has won 3 of the past 4 meetings, including the past 2 trips to Lincoln. That includes a 41-23 win on Nov. 21, 2020, as a 17-point underdog. The Illini is 4-1 ATS in the past 5 meetings, too.

Over/Under

UNDER 42.5 (-105) is worth playing lightly based on the defense and trends for both of these teams to date.

Illinois has allowed just 151.7 passing yards, and 277.3 total yards per game (YPG), while conceding 8.7 points per game (PPG).

Nebraska has been slightly better on D, allowing just 70.3 rushing yards per game, 255.3 YPG and 6.7 PPG. The Illini have been rather mediocre on offense, and it should have trouble getting things going against the Huskers, especially on the road.

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Kansas at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Kansas at Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) and Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) tussle in a Saturday night affair in Champaign. Kickoff from Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Kansas vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Kansas, which is No. 20 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, opened its season with an Aug. 29 victory over FCS Lindenwood. The Jayhawks cranked out 7.5 yards per rushing attempt en route to outgaining the Lions 530-202 in total yards.

The Fighting Illini also opened their season Thursday, Aug. 29. They routed FCS Eastern Illinois 45-0. Last season, UI went 1-4 in home games against power-conference opponents.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Kansas at Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at noon ET.

  • Moneyline: Kansas -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Illinois +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Kansas -5.5 (-105) | Illinois +5.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Kansas at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas 31, Illinois 28

Moneyline

Look for better value against the number: PASS.

Against the spread

Kansas is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road.

These 2 squads also met in a Week 2 game in Lawrence last season. Illinois fell behind early and eventually headed back to Champaign with a 38-23 loss in tow. Kansas went 9 of 13 on 3rd-down conversions and went on to dominate the time-of-possession battle.

In its final 4 home games last season, UI went 1-3. But 2 of those losses were to quality Wisconsin and Northwestern teams and were by a combined 7 points.

Look for KU to be the more efficient team but for Illinois to get its points and keep things interesting.

Consider a partial-unit play on the FIGHTING ILLINI +5.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The total has gone Over in 13 of Kansas’ last 17 games on the road. The total has also hit the Over in 4 of Illinois’ last 6 games.

Expect some tackling woes for 2 defenses facing like competition for the 1st time. Figure the offenses as finding some passing success and some big plays in a good-weather exchange of touchdowns.

BACK THE OVER 57.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Illinois vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Illinois vs. UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UConn Huskies (34-3) battle the Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the Elite 8 Saturday from TD Garden in Boston. Tip is set for 6:09 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Huskies earned the top seed in the East Region and throttled the 16th-seeded Stetson Hatters 91-52 March 22. They then beat the 9th-seeded Northwestern Wildcats 75-58 Sunday and the 5th-seeded San Diego State Aztecs 82-52 Thursday, covering as 27.5-point, 13-point and 12-point favorites, respectively. UConn was 20-11 against the spread (ATS) in the regular season and has gone 5-1 ATS in its 6 postseason games.

Illinois made a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament prior to the start of the NCAA Tournament. It won the Big Ten in a 93-87 victory over Wisconsin March 17. The Fighting Illini were given the 3rd seed in the region and took down the Morehead State Eagles 85-69 in the 1st round, beating the Duquesne Dukes 89-63 in the 2nd round and then the No. 2-seeded Iowa State Cyclones 72-69 in the Sweet 16. Illinois has covered in each and is 5-1 ATS in its 6 postseason games (3-0 ATS in the NCAA Tournament). It finished the regular season 17-12-2 ATS.

UConn finished No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, while Illinois ended the season 10th.

Illinois vs. UConn odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Illinois +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | UConn -430 (bet $430 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +8.5 (-102) | UConn -8.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Illinois vs. UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 80, Illinois 76

Moneyline

PASS.

The Huskies (-430) are surging and should come out on top. At -430, they aren’t even worth considering on the moneyline. Illinois has some value, but the spread offers the better play here.

Against the spread

BET ILLINOIS +8.5 (-102).

UConn is among the best teams in the NCAA on both sides of the court, sitting 1st in KenPom’s adjusted offensive rating and 6th in defensive rating. Illinois might have a lacking defense, but it can score with the best of them, which should help keep this game close.

The Fighting Illini sit 2nd in offensive rating. They scored 72 on a strong Iowa State defense and notched at least 85 in the 4 games prior, 1 of which was a 93-point performance against Wisconsin, which sits 46th in KenPom’s defensive rating. Illinois has a scorching hot player in G Terrence Shannon Jr., who is averaging 31.2 points per game in the postseason.

Expect a close battle in this one given the Fighting Illini’s ability to score, and back ILLINOIS +8.5 (-102).

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 155.5 (-110).

During the regular season, UConn had 5 players averaging double figures. It doesn’t play at a fast pace, but it has an efficient offense that will make the possessions count. It has scored at least 92 points in 4 of its last 6 games.

The Fighting Illini will be a test that the Huskies have yet to face this season. Illinois has scored at least 85 in 4 of its last 5 and went over the projected total in 21 of 31 regular season games and in 5 of 6 postseason games.

Given the skill set of both teams and the strong efficiency offensively, take OVER 155.5 (-110).

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