The Northwestern Wildcats (2-9, 0-8 Big Ten West) visit the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-5, 4-4) Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Memorial Stadium (on FS1). We analyze the Northwestern-Illinois odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
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Northwestern at Illinois: Three things to know
1. Northwestern lost at home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers 38-22 last week to remain winless in conference play. The Wildcats gave up scores on the Gophers’ first three possessions. A bright spot for NU was the emergence of sophomore QB Andrew Marty, who entered early in the second quarter and completed 8-of-10 passes for 95 yards and a TD, while running for 52 yards and two more scores.
2. Illinois, which is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014, had a four-game win streak snapped with a 19-10 loss at the then-No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes last Saturday. The Illini were held to their lowest point total of the season and turned the ball over three times. Trailing 13-7, Illinois was intercepted in the end zone on its first possession of the second half, which was followed by a missed field goal on its next drive.
3. Northwestern has won the last four head-to-head meetings, including 24-16 last year. A win Saturday would mark the Wildcats’ first five-game winning streak in the series, which dates back to 1892 and that the Illini lead 55-52-5. Northwestern owns four four-game win streaks vs. Illinois.
Northwestern Illinois: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Illinois 38, Northwestern 17
Moneyline (ML)
AVOID. Illinois is -400. Every $4 wagered on the Illini to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $40 to profit $10). Betting on Northwestern (+280) would profit 2.8-to-1 if the ‘Cats prevail, but I don’t see that happening. However, I’m not willing to wager the -400 chalk and I’m going to pass.
Against the Spread (ATS)
ILLINOIS (-9.5, +100) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Coach Lovie Smith has turned the program around and the Illini are hungry for a win vs. their instate rival. They’ve covered six in a row are and 8-3 ATS this season, while the Wildcats are 2-9 ATS.
New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered that Illinois will win by 10 points or more will profit $1.
Over/Under (O/U)
A slight lean to the OVER 43.5 (-110). Both teams are 4-7 O/U this season, while Illinois averages 28.8 PPG and Northwestern scores at a lowly 15.2 per game clip. But with this being Senior Day in Champaign, Ill., look for the home team to keep its foot on the throttle.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Johnny’s 2019 college football record: 9-5 (November: 4-0).
November’s strongest plays: 6-3.
Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
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