The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Indiana Hoosiers meet in week 4 college football action from Memorial Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Indiana Hoosiers prediction.
Illinois Fighting Illini Recap
The Illinois Fighting Illini come into this game looking to build on their 38-0 win over Western Michigan last time out to improve to 3-0 on the year. After this game, the Illini will head home for a game against USC.
Illini Looking For Huge Road Win
Luke Altmyer has thrown for 709 yards and 8 touchdowns on 71.8% passing while Kaden Feagin’s rushed for 222 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Illini on the ground. Ca’Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery each have 100+ rushing yards and 2 touchdowns apiece as well on the ground this season. Hank Beatty leads the Illini in receiving with 19 grabs for 289 yards and a touchdown while Justin Bowick has 8 grabs for 86 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. On defense, Miles Scott and Malachi Hood each have a team-high 14 total tackles while Gabe Jacas leads Illinois with 3.5 sacks this season. Illinois’ defense has combined for 10 sacks and an interception so far this season.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Indiana has lost each of its last 14 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has won each of its last seven games.
- Illinois has covered the spread in each of its last seven games.
- Indiana has failed to cover the spread in 11 of its last 14 games against AP-ranked teams.
Indiana Hoosiers Recap
The Indiana Hoosiers come into this game looking to build on their 73-0 win over Indiana State last time out to improve to 3-0 this season. After this game, the Hoosiers will head on the road for a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Hoosiers Trying To Defend Home Field
Fernando Mendoza has thrown for 708 yards and 9 touchdowns on 72.4% passing while Kaelon Black leads Indiana with 217 rushing yards. Lee Beebe Jr. and Roman Hemby each have 200+ rushing yards while Khobie Martin has 115 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns as well this season. Omar Cooper Jr. leads Indiana with 299 receiving yards along with 13 catches while Elijah Sarratt has a team-high 15 catches for 164 yards and 3 TDs this season. On defense, Louis Moore leads the Hoosiers with 17 total tackles including 10 solo tackles and a pair of interceptions while Isaiah Jones leads Indiana with 2 sacks. As a unit, Indiana’s defense has combined for 8 sacks and 4 interceptions so far this season.
Why the Indiana Hoosiers will win
- Indiana has won each of its last 11 home games.
- Illinois has lost 34 of its last 40 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Indiana has covered the spread in each of its last six games against teams from Illinois.
- Illinois has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games against teams from Indiana.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Indiana’s last 10 September games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Illinois’ last seven games as an underdog against teams from Indiana have gone UNDER the total points line.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Indiana Hoosiers Prediction
I’m leaning towards Illinois and the points here. I am a big fan of the Hoosiers and Curt Cignetti and I think the Hoosiers will continue to make us a ton of money this season. However, just like last season, Indiana didn’t really play a tough non-conference schedule, and when they had to take the step up last year, they kind of got punched in the mouth. I’m not saying Illinois will do that, but they’ll certainly pose more of a threat than Kennesaw State and Indiana State have. Illinois already went on the road and beat a power conference team in Duke, and I think that Illinois can keep this a 3-4 point game if they don’t win it outright. Give me Illinois and the points here.