Nebraska vs. Illinois Total Pick
Can we expect much offense when Illinois and Nebraska meet up tonight at 8PM ET in a Big Ten clash? Here’s our pick for the total.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Nebraska is favored on the road, as the Cornhuskers are getting odds of -5.5 points on the road against Illinois. The over/under total for the contest is listed at just 47.5 points. Nebraska has won five of its last six against Illinois and the two have hit the under in their last four meetings. Tonight’s game takes place from Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois and will air live on FS1.
NCAA FB QUICK LINKS: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats | Standings
Illinois fell to 2-1 on the season a few weeks back with a 47-23 loss at South Florida. The Illini are 2-1 with the under, hitting it in both home games in 2017. Illinois’ offense has been a mess, averaging just 22.3 points and 290 yards per game this season. Mike Epstein is leading the team with 221 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Illinois has a bit of a QB issue as Chayce Crouch remains the starter despite throwing for only 328 yards with one TD and three interceptions. Jeff George Jr. has 211 yards passing over 40 less attempts with a touchdown and two interceptions. Defensively, Illinois is giving up 443 yards per game, but holding opponents to just 25 points per contest.
Nebraska is 2-2 overall coming into tonight’s game with a 2-2 mark with the over/under total as well. The Huskers hit the over in their only other road game. Nebraska hasn’t looked great on offense, averaging 30.5 points and 378.5 yards per game this season while allowing 29 points and 367.5 yards per contest on defense. Quarterback Tanner Lee has thrown for 898 yards and seven touchdowns, but also has nine interceptions this year. Stanley Morgan Jr. has 18 catches for 299 yards and three scores, but he missed last week’s game with a neck injury. Morgan is expected to play tonight but may not be 100 percent. In the backfield, Tre Bryant is leading the team with 299 yards and two touchdowns.
Neither offense is inspiring much confidence right now. Illinois simply can’t move the ball while Nebraska can’t stop turning it over. Illinois looks to have a defense that can put up a fight, especially at home. Look for Nebraska to be its own worst enemy on offense again, limiting what it will do on the scoreboard. Nebraska’s defense should also be able to keep Illinois’ point total low, as the Illini won’t show the Huskers anything new.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: NEBRASKA/ILLINOIS UNDER 47.5