After upsetting Nebraska last weekend in overtime, No. 19 Illinois (4-0) will look to pull off another Big Ten shocker when it visits Happy Valley to take on No. 9 Penn State (3-0).
The Fighting Illini will have fond memories of their most recent visit to Beaver Stadium, where they fought long and hard for a 20-18 victory in an NCAA-record nine overtimes in Oct. 2021. Penn State got revenge last year in Illinois, winning 30-13.
As we prepare for this intriguing matchup between ranked Big Ten teams, let’s dig into the latest betting odds before making my Illinois vs Penn State prediction and best bets.
Illinois vs Penn State Odds
College football odds are current as of Monday, Sept. 23, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Illinois (+700) vs Penn State (-1100)
- Spread: Illinois +17.5 (-112) vs Penn State -17.5 (-108)
- Over/Under: Over 48 (-108) / Under 48 (-112)
Illinois vs Penn State Prediction
Penn State 38, Illinois 17
While I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen from Illinois this season, this is a tough spot for the Fighting Illini coming off an emotional road win in overtime.
Penn State will be the far fresher team heading into Saturday night’s contest, as it was able to rest its starters, including QB Drew Allar, for most of the second half of last week’s 56-0 win over Kent State. The Nittany Lions have also already had a bye week, whereas Illinois has played four straight games, two of which came against ranked opposition.
This game will be the toughest challenge yet for Bret Bielema’s squad, and I’m a bit worried about Illinois’ ability to hang in there against Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, Penn State’s two-headed monster in the backfield. Both running backs found the end zone in last year’s win and should be able to take advantage of an Illini defense that has allowed 106.3 rushing yards per game this season.
The Nittany Lions have more talent on both sides of the ball, so I wouldn’t be surprised if James Franklin’s squad runs away with this game at some point.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Illinois vs Penn State Best Bets
Over 48 Points (-108)
Penn State has scored at least 34 points in all three games this season, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it gets to that number again on Saturday. Allar and the Penn State offense look more dynamic than they did going into last season’s matchup when they scored 30 points in Champaign.
Plus, Illinois QB Luke Altmyer can’t be as bad as he was against the Nittany Lions last year when he was benched during the third quarter after throwing four interceptions. He’s been much more accurate this season and has two talented wideouts in Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin, who should help the Illini contribute to this total.
Back the Illinois-Penn State Over as one of your best college football bets today.
Penn State -17.5 (-108)
I don’t love laying this many points, especially with the hook, in a game with a relatively low total. However, I can’t get over how bad of a spot this is for Illinois.
Franklin is known to run up the score and has seemingly been aware of the spread in prior instances, and his team has a significant talent advantage in addition to home field. Look for Penn State to bolster its College Football Playoff credentials with an impressive win and cover.
