Illinois vs Minnesota Prediction 11-2-24 College Football Picks
Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2)
November 2, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Illinois Fighting Illini +3 / Minnesota Golden Gophers -3; Over/Under: +44.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Illinois Fighting Illini meet in week 10 college football action from Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Illinois vs Minnesota Prediction.
Minnesota Recap
The Minnesota Golden Gophers come into this one looking to add on to their 48-23 win over Maryland last time out to improve to 5-3 on the year. After this game, Minnesota will take on Rutgers.
Gophers Win Third Straight
Max Brosmer has thrown for 1,776 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions on 69.5% passing while Darius Taylor has a team-high 513 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns and Marcus Major has 243 rushing yards with 2 TDs as well. Daniel Jackson has a team-high 51 receptions for 568 receiving yards while Elijah Spencer has 354 receiving yards with 4 TDs and the aforementioned Taylor has 257 receiving yards. Three more Gophers have 100+ receiving yards on the year. On defense, Cody Lindenberg has a team-high 58 total tackles while Jah Joyner has a team-high 3.5 sacks. Koi Perich has a team-high 5 interceptions as well on the year. As a unit, Minnesota’s defense has combined for 13 sacks and 15 interceptions.
Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win
- Minnesota has won each of its last three games.
- Illinois has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Minnesota has covered the spread in each of its last five games as a favorite.
Illinois Recap
The Illinois Fighting Illini come into this one looking to bounce back after a 38-9 loss at the hands of Oregon last time out. After this game, Illinois will have a bye week before squaring off against Michigan State next time out.
Illini Looking To Rebound From High-Profile Loss
Luke Altmyer has thrown for 1,667 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on 63.1% passing while Kaden Feagin has a team-high 306 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Josh McCray has 258 rushing yards with 3 touchdowns and Aidan Laughery has 268 rushing yards as well. Pat Bryant has a team-high 510 receiving yards and 34 grabs with 7 touchdowns and Zakhari Franklin has a team-high 36 receptions for 444 yards this season. On defense, Dylan Rosiek leads the Illini with 56 total tackles while Xavier Scott has a team-high 3 interceptions. Gabe Jacas also has a team-high 6.5 sacks as well on the year. As a unit, Illinois’ defense has combined for 20 sacks and 9 interceptions.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Minnesota has lost each of its last eight November road games against AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has won four of its last five November games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has covered the spread in each of its last seven November games as an underdog.
- Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games in November.
Illinois vs Minnesota Prediction
I’m with Minnesota here. I get the allure of backing a home underdog, but Minnesota’s really started to hit their stride and it kind of feels like Illinois might be one of the more fraudulent 6-2 teams you’ll see, narrowly getting by Purdue of all teams and getting beat up in their step up spot against Oregon. Minnesota’s on a roll right now and I think the Gophers keep it going as they get another win and cover on the road here. Give me Minnesota.