Illinois vs. Cincinnati Week 13 CFB Picks & Predictions
No. 5 Cincinnati looks to continue its unbeaten season on Friday when the Bearcats host Illinois for a non-conference clash at Noon ET from Nippert Stadium.
The Bearcats are 10-0 this season and 6-4 against the spread. Cincinnati has failed to cover in the last two games and three of their four betting losses have come at home. This is the first meeting between Illinois and Cincinnati.
Illinois has had a disappointing season thus far at 3-7 overall at 2-7-1 against the spread. The Illini have won and covered in two of their last three games.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL have made Cincinnati 20.5-point home favorites over Illinois on Friday afternoon. The over/under total for this game has been established at 56.5.
In this game, the pick will come down to the Bearcats defense against Illinois’ offense. Cincinnati will score points, as it averages 38.4 points per-game while Illinois is allowing 26 points per-game, and has struggled in the secondary giving up 240 yards per-outing through the air.
Cincinnati has a pretty solid defense, giving up just 16.9 points and 335.8 yards per-game. The Illini were expected to be an offensive power this year, but are scoring only 20.2 points per-game. The Illinois passing game has averaged just 369.8 yards per-game behind quarterback Juice Williams, who has thrown for 1,139 yards and six touchdowns with five interceptions this year.
Many people fear Cincinnati looking past Illinois this week as a matchup with Pittsburgh awaits next week for the Big East Championship. But, Brian Kelly should have his guys ready. The point spread odds may be high, but the Illini have not been a good football team this year and Cincinnati is clearly better. Look for Tony Pike to come out and play well as he gets the start Friday. We suggest a pick of the Bearcats with the over in a high-scoring affair that Cincinnati should control from the start of the game.
Our College Football Week 13 Free Pick for this matchup is: CINCINNATI -20.5 and OVER 56.5.
College Football Week 13 Betting Trends
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 82-110 ATS (-39.0 Units) in all games since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 51-84 ATS (-41.4 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
ILLINOIS is 82-110 ATS (-39.0 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
CINCINNATI is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in weeks 10 through 13 since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
Week 13 College Football Injury Report
ILLINOIS
[QB] 11/14/2009 - Juice Williams "?" ( Ankle )
(S) 11/17/2009 - Donsay Hardeman "?" ( Neck )
[LB] 09/17/2009 - Martez Wilson out for season ( Neck )
[CB] 08/21/2009 - Miami Thomas out for season ( Knee )
CINCINNATI
No Injuries Reported
Illinois at Cincinnati Odds
Illinois Fighting Illini +20.5 Over 56.5
Cincinnati Bearcats -20.5 Under 56.5