Big Ten play will begin in earnest this Friday night when No. 24 Illinois (3-0) visits No. 22 Nebraska (3-0) in a matchup of two surprisingly ranked teams.
The Fighting Illini last cracked the AP Top 25 in 2022 and haven’t played a ranked opponent as a ranked team since 2008. Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers are enjoying their second straight week in the top 25 following a four-year absence and will host their first game between two ranked teams since 2013.
With both teams in unfamiliar territory after strong starts to the campaign, let’s examine the latest betting odds for this Big Ten matchup before digging into my Illinois vs Nebraska prediction and best bets.
Illinois vs Nebraska Odds
College Football odds are current as of Monday, Sept. 16, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Illinois (+260) vs Nebraska (-325)
- Spread: Illinois +9 (-110) vs Nebraska -9 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 43.5 (-108) / Under 43.5 (-112)
Illinois vs Nebraska Prediction
Nebraska 24, Illinois 17
This game should embody the physical nature of Big Ten football, so I’m expecting a competitive, low-scoring affair.
Both defenses have been stout to start the campaign and are allowing fewer than 10 points per game, albeit against varying levels of competition.
Still, Nebraska’s unit was particularly impressive against Colorado, forcing two turnovers and limiting the Buffaloes’ explosive passing attack to 244 yards in a 28-10 win. Illinois’ defense also answered its biggest test thus far, forcing four turnovers and scoring on a pick-six in a 23-17 victory over No. 19 Kansas.
To win this game, Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola must take care of the ball and take what the defense gives him. I think the Cornhuskers should be able to sustain drives by leaning on the ground game, as the Illini have allowed 125.7 rushing yards per game and struggled in that aspect against the Jayhawks.
Look for that to be the difference in a one-score contest.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Illinois vs Nebraska Best Bets
Under 43.5 Points (-112)
Raiola is getting a lot of attention for being a Patrick Mahomes lookalike, but he’s got a long way to go to earn those comparisons.
Given these two teams aren’t used to playing big games, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some jitters from the offenses early. Plus, the defenses are the top two units in this game, so points will be difficult to come by.
Back the Illinois-Nebraska Under as one of your best college football bets today.
Illinois +9 (-110)
This spread feels slightly inflated, so I’m taking the points with Illinois.
The Illini defense should do enough to keep the team in the game. And while the offense isn’t overpowering, Luke Altmyer can make some throws down the field to senior wideouts Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin when needed.
Nebraska HC Matt Rhule is 2-19 against ranked teams in his coaching career. He should get a third win here, but I think this is a one-possession game, and I trust Altmyer to get us in the backdoor if required.
