Michigan vs. Illinois Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Michigan Wolverines will look to regroup after the bye week when they take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Can Jack Tuttle and the Wolverines step up on the road? Matt McCuen is targeting the favorite in his Michigan vs. Illinois pick.
Matt McCuen - October 19, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
4 minMichigan vs. Illinois Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Illinois Fighting Illini will clash with the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday afternoon.
Today is a crucial game for both teams to keep their Big Ten Championship and playoff hopes alive. Illinois has been one of the biggest surprises across college football this year.
The Illini have posted a record of 5-1 on the campaign. Entering the season, Illinois was expected to be an average team at best. After nearly two months, the Illini have inserted themselves into the playoff conversation.
A win today would go a long way for Illinois who trials the all time head-to head series against Michigan 72-23-2. Michigan has won six consecutive head-to-head matchups.
Michigan vs. Illinois Odds
- Spread: Michigan -4.5 (-110), Illinois +4.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 44.5 (-110), U 44.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Michigan (-190), Illinois (+160)
This Michigan spread opened at just one point before flying up to -4.5. 72% of bets are still flying in on the Illini despite the move, showing that the Wolverines have sharp action on them. They are coming off of a bye week and recovering from their National Championship rematch against Washington, but have fresh life at QB with Jack Tuttle taking over. Oddsmakers believe Illinois will have a tough time stopping the Wolverines rushing attack, hence the movement in the line.
Michigan vs. Illinois Date, Time, and Where To Watch
- Date: October 19, 2024
- Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where To Watch: CBS
Michigan vs. Illinois Prediction
Junior Luke Altmyer leads the offense with 1,426 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.
Illinois native Kaden Feagin leads the ground game with 306 yards and three touchdowns.
Pat Bryant has been Altmyer's favorite target, leading the team with 452 yards and seven touchdowns.
Michigan begins the contest with a 4-2 record. After winning the National Championship a year ago, 2024 has not been kind to the Wolverines.
A loss today would eliminate Michigan from playoff contention. A win, however, will keep Michigan in the playoff conversation, as their two losses came against top-ranked Texas and on the road against Washington. The Wolverines' most notable win of the year came against USC.
Senior Davis Warren has thrown for a team-high 444 touchdowns but has struggled with turnovers, throwing six interceptions.
Running back Kalel Mullings has rushed for a team-high 589 yards and six touchdowns.
Tight end Colston Loveland has racked up a team-best 261 yards and two touchdowns.
Michigan vs. Illinois Pick
- Pick: Michigan -4 -110 Click here for the latest Michigan vs. Illinois odds
The line screams Wolverines, and we will trust the line today.
Illinois is not as good as its record indicates.
The Illini will struggle to slow down the Michigan run game.
I expect the Wolverines to control the line of scrimmage and the tempo of this game.
