Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction: Top 2 Picks for Big Ten Matchup 11/02
- Despite being home and the ranked team in this matchup, Illinois is the underdog, making it a great option to cover the NCAAF spread.
- Illinois cannot stop the run, but Minnesota has not established its running game all this season.
- It is a surprise in a Big Ten matchup like this, but Minnesota vs Illinois stats show that both teams love to pass the ball.
This will be an exciting matchup in the Big Ten for college football predictions. While it does not feature the top teams in the conference, No. 24 Illinois is set to host Minnesota, which is hardly a team that can be rolled over.
In fact, despite Illinois being the home team, according to the BetUS sportsbook, Minnesota has the betting advantage. It isn’t a massive spread at three points, but last week’s 48-23 win over Maryland probably contributed to the Golden Gophers’ being favored.
Another factor that could play into Minnesota’s being favored is how Illinois played last week. The Illini went up against the top-ranked team in the nation in Oregon and did not put up much of a fight, losing 38-9. However, many teams have lost badly to Oregon, which doesn’t say much about Illinois.
Minnesota vs Illinois Game Information
- Game: Minnesota (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) vs. Illinois (6-2, 3-2)
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
- Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 2, Noon p.m. ET
- Minnesota vs Illinois Live Stream: FS1
Minnesota vs Illinois Odds and Spread
Bet on Minnesota vs Illinois Game Odds at BetUS Sportsbook!
Top 2 Minnesota vs Illinois Betting Picks
1. Home Field Might Be Advantage Illini Need
This game might look different from what it has in the past. Both Big Ten programs, especially Minnesota, have been known for an offense that relies on running the ball. Instead, both schools lean on their quarterbacks, which could make this game very interesting.
🚣 26/33 CMP
🚣 320 YDS
🚣 4 TD
Max Brosmer’s best game of the season sent @GopherFootball to an easy win over Maryland.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/f8v1VTBv9G
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 26, 2024
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have found a quarterback in transfer Max Brosmer, who can move the ball through the air. In the last game, Brosmer completed 26 of 33 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns, his best game of the season.
On defense, Minnesota has one of the best pass defenses in the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers allow the second-fewest passing yards (162.5) per game, which will pose a challenge to Illinois. The Illini’s quarterback, Luke Altmyer, is coming off two rough games against ranked opponents.
Altmyer completed 17 of 35 passes against Oregon but only had 161 yards and threw two interceptions. In the previous game, Illinois beat Michigan but Altmyer did not play a big part in the win, completing 9 of 18 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.
That win over Michigan is big because Illinois’s last two games are significant reasons to side with it in college football picks. The win overMichigan (21-7) was big, but before that, the Illini outlasted Purdue 50-49 in overtime, behind Altmyer throwing for 379 yards and three touchdowns. That gives hope for Illinois to cover the spread at home.
Best Bet: Illinois +3 -115
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2. Scoring Should Be At Premium
This matchup only gets more interesting because both defenses match up well against the opposing offense. Per college football news, it is easy to see that Minnesota is the better defense. The Golden Gophers have one of the top defenses in the Big Ten, ranking fifth in yards allowed (282.9) and points (16.8) per game. That’s notable considering the defenses ahead of Minnesota are some of the best in the nation.
Illinois does not have that level of defensive advantage. The Illini’s defense allows 20.6 points and 367 yards per game. They are ranked in the middle and near the bottom of the Big Ten. However, a big issue for Illinois’ defense has been stopping the run, allowing the third-most rushing yards (155.8) per game in the conference.
On the bright side for the Illinois Fighting Illini, Minnesota is not a running football team this year, with just 108 rushing yards per game, the second-fewest in the Big Ten. That could help Illinois focus more on stopping Minnesota’s passing attack.
For college football betting, the total points (45.5) for this game is complicated, but the under makes the most sense, even though I might stay away. The under makes the most sense because Minnesota’s defense is excellent and its offense could be slowed by Illinois.
PICK: Minnesota vs Illinois Under 45.5
Questions of the Day
Is it worth betting the points total?
It is difficult to calculate this game’s total points because both offenses have been solid, and the defenses should have the edge.
Will Illinois be able to win this game?
Maybe because of Illinois’s last game, the betting lines have moved away from it, but the team is still good and at home, which could lead to a win.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
