Maryland vs Illinois Prediction Football Picks Today 10/31/26

Maryland vs Illinois Prediction

I’m not running to the window to back Illinois, but the soft number forces me to lay the points. Maryland is a bad football team that can’t run the football and is 72nd in scoring offense. Maryland is even worse on defense; that’s 128th in scoring. Maryland has lost five straight games and has allowed 35 or more points in all of those games. Illinois has issues of its own, but it’s an average offense that should have a field day against these Terps.

Potential letdown spot for Illinois after a nice win over Oregon, but that’s the only concern for this spot. Maryland is not good. I’d need more points to consider the Terps. Give me Illinois and the surprisingly small number.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini beat Michigan State and Oregon, and they play Nebraska next. Illinois has split its last 6 games. Katin Houser is completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,440 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Collin Dixon and Hudson Clement have combined for 1,082 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, while Brayden Trimble has 19 receptions.

The Illinois Fighting Illini ground game is averaging 161.4 yards per contest, and Aidan Laughery leads the way with 514 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Illinois is allowing 25.3 points and 382.4 yards per game. Matthew Bailey leads the Illinois Fighting Illini with 49 tackles, Ean Rhea has 2 sacks, and Ismael Kante has 1 interception.

Maryland Terrapins Betting Preview

The Maryland Terrapins lost to Ohio State and Rutgers, and they play Purdue next. Maryland has lost 5 straight games. Malik Washington is completing 59.4 percent of his passes for 1,615 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Kaleb Webb and Chris Durr Jr. have combined for 853 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding has 20 receptions.

The Maryland Terrapins’ ground game is averaging 133 yards per contest, and DeJuan Williams leads the way with 281 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Maryland is allowing 33.3 points and 366.6 yards per game. Carlton Smith leads the Maryland Terrapins with 44 tackles; Zion Elee has 3.5 sacks, and Messiah Delhomme has 2 interceptions.

Why the Maryland Terrapins will win

• Illinois has lost three of its last four road games.
• Maryland has covered the spread in each of its last six October games as a home underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Illinois has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games as a favorite.
• Illinois has lost the first half in four of its last five games in October.

Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

• Maryland has lost each of its last 12 games against conference opponents.
• The favorite has won 14 of Maryland’s last 15 games.
• Maryland has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight games against teams from Illinois.
• The favorite has covered the spread in 10 of Maryland’s last 12 games.
• The road team has won the first quarter in each of Illinois’ last three games.
• The favorite has won the first half in each of Maryland’s last 14 games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Maryland’s last seven home games has gone OVER the total points line.
• Eight of Illinois’ last nine road games have gone OVER the total points line.

Maryland Terrapins Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 9, Chris Durr Jr. ranks T10th amongst FBS players for receptions (52) this season.

Illinois Fighting Illini Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 9, Collin Dixon ranks 4th amongst FBS players for receiving touchdowns (10) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Maryland ranks 131st among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (95.5).
• Maryland ranks T130th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (12.0).
• Illinois ranks T137th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (100.0).
• Illinois ranks 128th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (3.3).