Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (4-7)
November 30, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Northwestern Wildcats +7.5 / Illinois Fighting Illini -7.5; Over/Under: +43.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Northwestern vs Illinois prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, November 30th at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 14 matchup.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 4-7 (2-6) this year after they lost to Michigan by a score of 50-6 in their last game. Northwestern only trailed 17-6 at halftime, but they allowed 33 points in the second half in the loss. The Wildcats were outgained by a total of 396-128, lost the turnover battle 2-1, and went 5-14 on third down in the game. Jack Lausch threw for 106 yards and two interceptions, while Bryce Kirtz caught three passes for 67 yards.
Prior to that loss, the Wildcats lost to Ohio State by a score of 31-7 but did beat Purdue by a score of 26-20 before that. The Northwestern offense has scored 16.9 points per game with 172.9 passing yards and 97.2 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 25.3 points per game this season. Jack Lausch has completed 54% of his passes for 1,427 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions, while Cam Porter has rushed for 448 yards and six scores.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 8-3 (5-3) this season after they defeated Rutgers by a score of 38-31 in their last game. Illinois trailed 24-15 in the fourth quarter and 31-30 with a minute left, but they scored with four seconds left on the clock for the win. The Fighting Illini outgained Rutgers by a total of 431-387, won the turnover battle 1-0, and went 4-10 on third down in the game. Luke Altmyer threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 74 yards and one score.
Prior to that win, the Fighting Illini defeated Michigan State by a score of 38-16 but did lose to Minnesota and Oregon before that. The Illinois offense has scored 28.8 points per game with 218.4 passing yards and 145.6 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 21.5 points per game this season. Luke Altmyer has completed 61% of his passes for 2,373 yards, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Pat Bryant has caught 50 passes for 914 yards and nine scores.
Why Illinois will beat Northwestern
- Northwestern has lost each of its last 10 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has won seven of its last eight November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has covered the spread in each of its last 12 road games in November.
- Northwestern has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five home games.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Illinois’ last eight November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Northwestern’s last four November home games against AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Northwestern ranks 132nd among FBS teams for yards per game this season (270.1).
- Northwestern ranks 131st among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (2.7).
- Illinois ranks T120th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (91.7).
- Illinois ranks T22nd among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (3.7).
Northwestern vs Illinois Prediction
Northwestern comes into this matchup trying to bounce back from being outscored 81-13 in their last two games against Michigan and Ohio State, and they will be at home for this game. Illinois has won two games in a row and they have scored 38 points in both of those wins. The Fighting Illini have been a little inconsistent this season, but they should take care of this Northwestern team, who is just 2-6 in their last eight games. Take Illinois to finish the regular season on a positive note and get the cover here.
