Illinois vs. Nebraska Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Illinois Fighting Illini will visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers for some Friday night Big Ten action. Can Dylan Raiola and the Cornhuskers keep rolling in this ranked battle? Matt McCuen provides his prediction and pick for Illinois vs. Nebraska.
Matt McCuen - September 20, 2024, 11:48 AM EDT
5 minIllinois vs. Nebraska Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday night. Tonight's game is crucial for two teams that are off to strong starts this season.
Both Nebraska and Illinois entered the season unranked. After three weeks, both teams come into the game with a number next to their name.
The Illini begin the contest ranked 24th in the nation. Illinois picked up a crucial Week 2 win against then-19th-ranked Kansas. The Illini followed that win up with a blowout 30-9 victory over Central Michigan.
Since 2011, Illinois has had just one winning season. The last time the Illini won 10 games or more was in 2001, when they went 10-2.
Illinois vs. Nebraska Start Time, Where To Watch, Odds
- Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
- Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: Fox Sports
Illinois vs. Nebraska Odds
- Spread: Nebraska -7.5 (-110), Illinois +7.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 42.5 (-110), U 42.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Nebraska (-320), Illinois (+260)
Illinois vs. Nebraska Prediction
Head coach Bret Bielema knows this is a crucial year for his program, and he answered the call so far.
Starkville, Mississippi, native Luke Altmyer leads the offense. Altmyer has thrown for 647 yards and six touchdowns this year.
Sophomore Kaden Feagin leads the ground game, darting for 173 yards and three touchdowns.
Pat Bryant has been the top option in the passing game. Bryant leads the team with 235 yards and four touchdowns.
Illinois ranks 22nd in points allowed per game (13.0).
Nebraska rolls into the contest with a perfect 3-0 record. That record has earned them the 22nd ranking in the nation.
A win tonight will place the Cornhuskers in the top 20. The Cornhuskers picked up a notable win in Week 2 over Colorado.
After nearly three decades of being one of the best programs in college football, the last decade has not been kind to Big Red Nation. Nebraska's last winning season was in 2016 when they went 9-4.
In year two, head coach Matt Rhule has this program headed in the right direction. Freshman sensation Dylan Raiola commands the offense. Raiola has thrown for 670 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.
Sophomore Dante Dowdell has led the rushing game, dashing for 184 yards and three touchdowns.
Fort Worth, Texas native Isaiah Neyor leads the squad, racking up 187 yards and two touchdowns.
Nebraska's defense ranks 9th, allowing opponents 9.8 points per game.
Illinois vs. Nebraska Pick Against the Spread
I love this spot for the Cornhuskers tonight.
Nebraska has a top-10 defense in college football, and the Illini will struggle to move the football tonight.
Raiola and the Cornhuskers offense has been rolling this season, and they match up well against the Illinois defense.
Let’s stay hot and cash tonight!
Pick: Nebraska -7 (-130) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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