Illinois Fighting Illini (4-0) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)
September 28, 2024 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Penn State Nittany Lions -18 / Illinois Fighting Illini +18; Over/Under: +48.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Penn State Nittany Lions meet in week 5 college football action from Beaver Stadium on Saturday night. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Penn State vs Illinois Prediction.
Illinois Recap
The Illinois Fighting Illini come into this one looking to build on their 4-0 start to the year after a 31-24 road win over Nebraska in their last outing. After this game, Illinois will head home for a matchup with the Purdue Boilermakers.
Illini Trying To Keep Ball Rolling With Steady QB Play
Luke Altmyer has thrown for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns on 71.4% passing while Kaden Feagin has a team-high 242 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Aidan Laughery, Ca’Lil Valentine and Josh McCray all have 100+ rushing yards for the Illini while Pat Bryant has a team-high 309 receiving yards and 20 grabs with 6 touchdowns while Zakhari Franklin has a team-high 21 receptions for 243 yards this season. On defense, Matthew Bailey leads the Illini with 23 total tackles while Xavier Scott has a team-high 16 solo tackles and 3 interceptions. As a unit, Illinois’ defense has combined for 10 sacks and 7 interceptions.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won each of its last three games as an away underdog when playing with a rest advantage.
- Penn State has lost 10 of its last 12 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has covered the spread in eight of its last nine road games against conference opponents.
- Penn State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games against AP-ranked teams.
Penn State Recap
The Penn State Nittany Lions come into this game looking to add on to their 3-0 start after a 56-0 win over Kent State last time out. After this game, Penn State will welcome Big Ten newcomers UCLA to town.
Nittany Lions Facing First Real Test At Home
Drew Allar has thrown for 729 yards, 8 touchdowns and an interception on 70.7% passing while Nicholas Singleton has rushed for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns and Kaytron Allen has 187 rushing yards. Tyler Warren leads Penn State’s receiving group with 16 grabs for 226 yards while Omari Evans has 205 receiving yards with a pair of TDs and Harrison Wallace III has 146 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, Jaylen Reed has a team-high 22 total tackles while Penn State as a unit, has combined for 4 sacks and 3 interceptions as well on the year.
Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win
- Penn State has won each of its last 18 games in September.
- Illinois has lost 32 of its last 36 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Penn State has covered the spread in each of its last four September games against AP-ranked teams.
- Illinois has failed to cover the spread in six of its last eight games in September.
Penn State vs Illinois Prediction
I’m taking Illinois and the points here. I have no qualms with Penn State being favored at home, but this is a lot for me after playing two MAC teams and almost losing to one of them in Bowling Green. Illinois has impressed early on and has some confidence behind them after going into Nebraska and knocking off the Cornhuskers. I think there’s value to be had here with the Illini and the points as I think that Penn State wins this one 34-21. Give me the Illini and the points.
