Central Michigan Chippewas (1-1) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0)
September 14, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Illinois Fighting Illini -20; Over/Under: 51.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate an Illinois vs. Central Michigan prediction for this College Football Week 3 game on Saturday, September 14th, at Memorial Stadium. Let’s take a look at an Illinois Fighting Illini vs Central Michigan Chippewas pick.
How Does Central Michigan Bounce Back?
Central Michigan in the first game was able to beat Central Connecticut in the first game, but in the second game, they struggled. Central Michigan faced off against FIU and the offense only scored 16 points while the defense gave up 52 points. The offense got out to a slow start, and a bad second quarter on defense really hurt them. Under center for Central Michigan was Joey Labas and he had some issues.
He completed 20 of his 39 passes for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. Central Michigan can’t expect to win many games when the starting quarterback is throwing five interceptions. The running game is going to need to be more consistent. Marion Lukes had 10 rushes for only 37 yards. The offense needs to be more consistent here if they want any chance to secure the victory.
Illinois Coming Off Impressive Win
Illinois has high expectations for this season, and they are coming off an impressive win. In the first game, Illinois faced off against Eastern Illinois, and they were able to secure a 45-0 victory. In the last game against Kansas, they created turnovers, and they were able to secure the 23-17 victory. Illinois was down going into the 4th quarter, but they scored 10 points and that was enough for the victory. The defense forced Jalon Daniels to throw three interceptions.
On offense under center for Illinois was Luke Altmyer, who completed 16 of his 25 passes for 192 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The running game doesn’t need to be more consistent, and the top rusher against Kansas was Kaden Feagin, he finished with 16 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Illinois vs Central Michigan Prediction
Let’s not overreact too much from either side from the last game, Illinois had an impressive win, but it was only one win we shouldn’t expect Labas to throw five interceptions again here. Central Michigan is going to do a better job of not turning the ball over, and that is going to be the difference. Central Michigan’s offense is going to find more success scoring, and Illinois isn’t going to tee off on the Chippewas defense. Central Michigan is going to keep this game close. Back Central Michigan against the spread here.
