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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.
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
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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.
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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