Illinois vs. Northwestern Prediction
Big Ten rivals clash in Evanston, IL when No. 14 Northwestern hosts Illinois at 12:00 p.m. ET. With the Wildcats laying 14 points and the total sitting all the way down at 40.5, what’s the best play for bettors in this conference clash?
Game Snapshot
425 Illinois Fighting Illini (+14) at 426 Northwestern Wildcats (-14); o/u 40.5
Ryan Field, Evanston, IL
12:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, December 12, 2020
TV: ESPN2
Illinois Fighting Illini Game Notes
Illinois redshirt senior QB Brandon Peters completed 10-of-18 passes for 116 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 35-21 loss to Iowa on Saturday. In his second game back from COVID-19 isolation, Peters (6’5/220) once again impressed. In the aggregate over those contests, which includes last week’s win over Nebraska, Peters is 28-of-43 for 321 yards with a 3/0 TD/INT ratio and 53 rushing yards and one additional score on the ground. The redshirt senior has had a bizarre season, as his only other game played was in the opener against Wisconsin. He may be closing out his career next week as the 2-4 Illini travel to Northwestern. Of course, with the NCAA pausing eligibility clocks this year, it’s also possible that Peters, like any other player, could choose to return in 2021 for one final — final — ride.
Northwestern Wildcats Game Notes
Northwestern redshirt senior QB Peyton Ramsey completed 21-of-43 passes for 210 yards and two interceptions in Saturday’s 29-20 loss at Michigan State. A key contributor for the Wildcats all season long, Ramsey (6’2/220) put forth his worst performance of the season Saturday afternoon. In addition to completing less than 50 percent of his pass attempts, the redshirt senior was picked off twice (both by DB Shakur Brown) and missed other throws that appeared to be manageable. And due to sack yardage, as he was brought down four times on the day, Ramsey finished the game with minus-6 rushing yards (and one rushing touchdown). Ramsey, who has now thrown eight touchdown passes and six interceptions on the season, also appeared to tweak his hamstring during the second half but he remained in the game. He’ll look to bounce back next Saturday when the Wildcats visit Minnesota.
Illinois vs. Northwestern Betting Prediction
The over is 8-2 in the last 10 series meetings between these two teams and has cashed in four of the last five meetings in Evanston. The over is also 9-3 in the Fighting Illini’s last 12 games following an ATS loss and is 8-3 in their last 11 road games versus an opponent with a winning home record. On the other side, the over is 11-4 in the Wildcats’ last 15 games coming off a bye.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 15 BETTING PREDICTION: ILLINOIS/NORTHWESTERN OVER 40.5
