Illinois Fighting Illini betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Illinois vs. Missouri odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) head to St. Louis for the annual Braggin’ Rights game against the Missouri Tigers (10-1) Sunday. Tip-off from Enterprise Center is set for 1 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Illinois vs. Missouri odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Illini have traded wins and losses in the last 4 games, which has contributed to their descent out of the Top 25. They pushed as 2-point dogs in a 66-64 defeat against the newly crowned No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers Dec. 14. G Kasparas Jakucionis did his part with 22 points but was just 5-for-15 from the floor.

The Tigers are still runnin’ wild after taking down then-No. 1 Kansas Dec. 8. They’ve won 10 straight after plucking the Jacksonville State Gamecocks Tuesday 83-72. G Mark Mitchell had 18 points, 6 boards, 6 dimes and 3 blocks. They failed to cover for the second straight game, though, with bars set at -27.5 and -16.5.

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

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

Illinois vs. Missouri odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at Saturday at 5:10 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Missouri +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Against the spread: Illinois -3.5 (-110) | Missouri +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Illinois vs. Missouri picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 91, Missouri 85

Moneyline

This is the hottest ticket in town even after Justin Timberlake had a concert in the building Thursday night. These teams have traded wins in the last 4 meetings with Illinois coming out on top last season 97-73.

This is a different Mizzou squad, though, that’s feelin’ themselves after beating KU. It will be the Tigers’ first real test aside from that Kansas game, as they’ve had a cupcake schedule otherwise.

I like Illinois here, but not at -150. I’ll lay the points instead.

PASS.

Against the spread

Illinois is more battle-tested and has the edge in talent. Mizzou’s record looks sexy, but again, it hasn’t played anyone besides Kansas.

Take ILLINOIS -3.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Illini are 4-6 O/U, and Mizzou is 7-4 O/U thus far. The last 4 meetings have gone Over, and these teams come in with a ton of confidence. This event has sold out, and tickets are a little pricey on resale sites. So this is going to be an electric atmosphere. You can bet on these teams runnin’ and gunnin’.

Take the OVER 154.5 (-110).

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Wisconsin at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Wisconsin at Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 22 Wisconsin Badgers (8-2, 0-1 Big Ten) face the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2, 0-1) Tuesday. Tip-off from State Farm Center in Champaign is set for 9 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Badgers dropped their second straight game, falling to the No. 4 Marquette Golden Eagles 88-74. They couldn’t cover as 6.5-point road underdogs, and the Over (149.5) cashed. The Golden Eagles dominated inside, outscoring Wisconsin 44-28 in the paint. Despite the loss, G Max Klesmit put up a strong effort, leading the Badgers with 22 points.

Illinois dropped a tough one in its Big Ten opener Friday, losing at the Northwestern Wildcats 70-66 in overtime. The Illini came up short as 3-point road favorites and the Under (142) hit. Freshman G Kasparas Jakucionis was outstanding with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal and a block. But 11 team turnovers proved too much to overcome in the end.

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

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

Wisconsin at Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 12:53 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wisconsin +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Illinois -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin +6.5 (-110) | Illinois -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Wisconsin at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 80, Wisconsin 70

Moneyline

PASS.

Illinois (-275) will win, but it won’t come easy. Expect the Fighting Illini to pull away in the second half and cover the spread. Instead of risking 2.75 units to profit just 1 on the moneyline, I’ll stick with betting on the spread for better value.

Against the spread

BET ILLINOIS -6.5 (-110).

At first glance, Illinois laying 6.5 points might seem high, but the numbers support the Illini. Both teams are coming off tough losses, with Wisconsin failing to cover in 3 straight games and in 4 of its last 6.

The Illini are 5-0 at home so far this season and have covered 3 of their last 4 games overall. They average an impressive 89.4 points per game (PPG) in Champaign, winning there by an average of 38.8 points.

The Illini have dominated this head-to-head series, beating and covering against Wisconsin in 8 straight matchups dating back to January 2020. While the Badgers are shooting 34.7 percent from deep, the Illini defense, which allows just 62.5 PPG and holds opponents to 25.1 percent from 3, will make things tough.

Look for the ILLINI -6.5 (-110) to bounce back strong with a decisive win Tuesday at home.

Over/Under

PASS.

This is a classic offense-vs.-defense showdown, making the total tough to call.

Illinois boasts a high-powered offense, averaging 86.3 PPG (17th nationally per NCAA.com), and a stifling defense, holding opponents to 62.5 PPG (21st). Wisconsin averages 82.0 PPG (59th) and yields 70.9 PPG (174th).

Wisconsin trends toward Overs, cashing in 8 of its 10 games, while Illinois has hit the Under in 6 of its last 8.

I’d lean toward the Under given the grind-it-out style of Big Ten matchups, but I don’t feel confident enough to lock it in.

Focusing on the spread seems like the best play in this one.

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Illinois at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) meet Saturday. Kickoff from Wrigley Field is scheduled for noon ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Illinois vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Illinois leads the all-time series 57-55-5, with the Wildcats taking last season’s meeting in Champaign in a wild 45-43 shootout. While the Illini have won 2 of the past 3 in the series, including a 41-3 rout in Evanston Nov. 26, 2022, Northwestern is 7-2 straight up (SU) and 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 9 installments.

Illinois has rolled up wins against Michigan State and Rutgers in the past 2 weekends, scoring 38 points in each game, to secure 8 wins and a solid bowl game in the Big Ten. The Over has cashed in each of the 2 outings. While Illinois is just 2-2 SU in 4 road games, it is a solid 3-1 ATS while splitting the Over/Under (O/U).

Northwestern has struggled this season, and it was manhandled 50-6 at Michigan last weekend, ending any faint hopes of bowl eligibility. The Wildcats have dropped 4 of the past 5 games, although they’ve covered 2 of the past 3outings. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 games and 5-2 across the past 7 contests.

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 Northwestern 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 11 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Northwestern +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread: Illinois -8 (-110) | Northwestern +8 (-110)
Over/Under: 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Illinois at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 19, Northwestern 12

Moneyline

Illinois (-300) will cost you 3 times your potential return, and that’s way too much in this rivalry game which Northwestern (+240) has dominated in recent seasons.

PASS.

Against the spread

Back NORTHWESTERN +8 (-110) to keep this within 1 score.

The Wildcats have had a pretty good defense, for the most part, but Northwestern has struggled to score points. It should be able to throw a blanket on Illinois -8 (-110), keeping the Illini within 1 score.

Over/Under

UNDER 43.5 (-105) is a low number, but it’s the best play in this game.

Temperatures will be in the mid-20s for this game, and winds will be sustained at 12-14 mph, making for a very raw days in Wrigleyville at this time of year, even if they’re blowing out of the west.

Points are going to be at a premium in this Big Ten finale in Wrigleyville.

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Arkansas vs. Illinois odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Arkansas Razorbacks (5-1) meet the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1) in a Thursday neutral-site contest in Kansas City. Tip time at the T-Mobile Center will be at 4 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Arkansas vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Arkansas, the No. 21 team in the nation in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, lost 72-67 to the Baylor Bears (currently No. 18) in the first week of the season, but has won 4 straight since. Only 1 of those 4 (Nov. 13 vs. the Troy Trojans) came against a BartTorvik top-150.

Illinois suffered its lone setback 100-87 in a Nov. 20 game against the current No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. UI derives much of its value on defense (holding foes to a 34.4% mark from the field), but the Fighting Illini have banged out 87 points or more in 5 of their 6 games.

The Razorbacks and Illini last met in a first round NCAA Tournament game 2 seasons back (March 16, 2023). Arkansas (-2.5) downed Illinois 73-63.

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

Arkansas vs. Illinois 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 Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Arkansas +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Illinois -142 (bet $142 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Arkansas +2.5 (-110) | Illinois -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Arkansas vs. Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 78, Arkansas 73

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

The Illini are 4-2 ATS. They have been exceptional on defense, forcing opposing teams into bad looks and controlling the rebounding game.

The Razorbacks have some shooting numbers not fully supported by the types of looks they are getting. Arkansas is due some shooting regression.

Look for UI to take this one by a couple scores. BACK THE FIGHTING ILLINI -2.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under is 4-2 across UA’s 6 games and is 4-1 in UI’s last 5.

Both teams get after it with top-50 tempo numbers but both also excel in contesting shots and doing so without creating a lot of opponent looks at the line. On neutral hardwood, the UNDER 154.5 (-105) is the value side.

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Little Rock at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Little Rock at Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Little Rock Trojans (3-3) and the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1) meet Monday at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Little Rock vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Trojans of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) have been a giant-killer in the first couple of weeks. While it has just 3 wins in 6 tries, 2 of those victories have come on the road against UTSA and Tulsa, both as a double-digit underdog.

UALR also lost 79-67 at Arkansas on Friday last time out, easily covering as a 21-point underdog. The Over (144.5) cashed in that game, snapping a 4-game Under run to open the season.

For the Illini, they belted Maryland-Eastern Shore last time out on Saturday, cashing as a 36-point favorite as the Under (154) cashed. Illinois rebounded nicely after a 100-87 loss against Alabama in a neutral floor game as an 8.5-point underdog. The Illini is 1-2 ATS in the past 3 games, while the Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings.

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

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

Little Rock at Illinois odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 7:56 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Little Rock +1450 (bet $100 to win $1,450) |
Illinois -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Little Rock +21.5 (-115) | Illinois -21.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Little Rock at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 84, Little Rock 65

Moneyline

Illinois (-5000) will cost you 50 times your potential return. In other words, you would need to risk $100 for every $2 of profit, which is obviously an insane amount of risk for not nearly enough reward.

PASS.

Against the spread

Back LITTLE ROCK +21.5 (-115) in this trip to Champaign to take on ranked Illinois -21.5 (-105).

The Trojans have shown a penchant for pulling the upset as double-digit ‘dogs, and it was able to take Arkansas to the mat. So, UALR won’t be fazed playing at State Farm Center against a ranked foe. Still, while pesky, don’t expect the Trojans to pull off the monumental upset.

Over/Under

UNDER 151.5 (-105) is the lean, but don’t get carried away.

The Over did cash in Little Rock’s most recent game against Arkansas, but the Under is 4-1 in 5 games with a line this season. Last season, in conference play, Little Rock was a tremendous Under machine, too. Remember it down the stretch, as it likes to slow it down and rely upon defense.

Anyway, for Illinois, the Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings. The Illini like to throw a blanket on opponents, too, and that’s the concern with a Little Rock cover. In the past 2 games against non-power conference teams, Illinois is allowing just 47.0 PPG.

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Illinois at Rutgers odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-4, 3-4) tangle in a battle of bowl-eligible squads Saturday in Piscataway. The opening kickoff at SHI Stadium is set for noon ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Illinois vs. Rutgers odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Illinois finds itself on the road for just a second time since Sept. 28. Last Saturday, the Illini came off a bye week and drilled Michigan State 38-16, covering as -1.5 home favorites with the Over (47.5) hitting. RB Josh McCray ran for 3 TDs and 61 yards on 9 carries, while QB Luke Altmyer threw 2 TDs and finished with 231 passing yards.

Rutgers upset Maryland on the road last Saturday 31-17. The Scarlet Knights covered as 4-point underdogs and the Under (54.5) cashed as they won their second in a row after a winless October (0-4). QB Athan Kaliakmani (238 passing yards, 2 TDs) and RB Kyle Monangai (97 rushing yards, 2 TDs) led the attack. However, Maryland outgained Rutgers in total yards 457 to 370.

– 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 Rutgers 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 12:28 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Rutgers -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +1.5 (-110) | Rutgers -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Illinois at Rutgers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rutgers 28, Illinois 24

Moneyline

Rutgers is on a decent trend line on both sides of the ball. The Scarlet Knights have thrown for 238 yards-plus in each of their last 4 games, and some October red-zone issues have been cleaned up the last 2 games.

The RU offense is not explosive, but the recent improvements in passing and the team’s ability to stay on schedule make Rutgers a slight lean in what figures as a close game.

Neither side is adept at making disruptive plays on defense. Illinois may well play much of this one with a lead, but give the home side enough of a probability a keeping the contest close and closing it out with a win.

TAKE RUTGERS (-115).

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Against the spread

AVOID. It’s worth the extra juice to back the moneyline at -115 vs. laying 1½ points at -110.

Over/Under

The Over has cashed in 4 of Rutgers’ last 5 games and in 9 of the Knights’ last 11 in Piscataway.

The public is expecting a 20-something-to-20-something close game, and the expected game flow does not argue much with this total.

Windy conditions are in the forecast, but tab OVER 47.5 (-115) with a slight lean.

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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

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

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.

💰Saturday 🏈in Champaign💰

Our @alexwhitee likes a 💸betting side 💸 in a Big Ten Conference tilt (@B1Gfootball) when Minnesota (@GopherFootball) visits Illinois (@IlliniFootball). What do you think? What’s your 💸best bet 💸of the day? pic.twitter.com/CU2LSDWjlR

— SportsBookWire (@SportsBookWire) November 2, 2024

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

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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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