Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1) vs. Oregon Ducks (7-0)
October 26, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Oregon Ducks -21.5 / Illinois Fighting Illini +21.5; Over/Under: +54.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate an Oregon vs Illinois prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 26th at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 9 matchup.
Oregon Ducks Betting Preview
The Oregon Ducks are 7-0 (4-0) this season after they defeated Purdue by a score of 35-0 in their last game. Oregon led 21-0 at the half and they were able to cruise to the easy win in the second half. The Ducks outgained Purdue by a total of 421-301, won the turnover battle 2-1, and went 5-9 on third down in the game. Dillon Gabriel threw for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Jordan James rushed for 50 yards and two scores.
Oregon has started the season with an undefeated record and they also have wins against Idaho, Boise State, Oregon State, UCLA, Michigan State, and Ohio State. The Oregon offense has scored 34.9 points per game with 300.3 passing yards and 158.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 16.6 points per game this season. The Ducks have gone 48.8% on third down and 5-8 on fourth down through seven games. Dillon Gabriel has completed 77% of his passes for 2,080 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions, while Tez Johnson has caught 57 passes for 536 yards and seven scores.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 6-1 (3-1) this year after they defeated Michigan by a score of 21-7 in their last game. Illinois had their lead cut to 13-7 right before halftime, but they pitched a shutout in the second half for the win. The Fighting Illini were outgained by a total of 322-267, won the turnover battle 3-0, and went 3-11 on third down in the game. Luke Altmyer threw for 80 yards and one touchdown, while Aidan Laughery rushed for 54 yards on nine carries.
Illinois also has wins over EIU, Kansas, Central Michigan, Nebraska, and Purdue, but they do have one loss against Penn State. The Illinois offense has scored 29.6 points per game with 219.3 passing yards and 146.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 18.1 points per game this season. The Fighting Illini have gone 42.4% on third down and 6-10 on fourth down so far this season. Luke Altmyer has completed 65.9% of his passes for 1,506 yards, 15 touchdowns, and one interception, while Pat Bryant has caught 31 passes for 484 yards and seven scores.
Why Illinois will cover
- Illinois has won four of its last five October games as an underdog.
- Illinois has covered the spread in each of its last six games as an underdog.
- Oregon has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games as a home favorite.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Oregon’s last seven games as a favorite against AP-ranked teams has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Illinois’ last five games as an underdog against top-10 AP-ranked teams has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Oregon ranks T8th among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (2.4).
- Oregon ranks T10th among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters this season (+5.7).
- Illinois ranks T9th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (7.1).
- Illinois ranks T15th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (2.9).
Oregon vs Illinois Prediction
Oregon comes into this game ranked as the #1 team in the country and they will be at home for this top-25 matchup. The Ducks have scored at least 31 points in five straight games and just rolled over Purdue in their last game. Illinois struggled with a bad Purdue team two games ago and didn’t look great against Michigan last week, so they will have to turn things around if they want to keep this game close. I know Illinois beat Michigan as an underdog, but they were still outgained by a Michigan offense that doesn’t have a passing game. I think Oregon will win this game comfortably, but this is a lot of points to lay against a team like Illinois. Take the Fighting Illini with the points here.
