Big Ten rivals will meet in Champaign, IL on Friday night when Illinois hosts Nebraska at 8:00 p.m. ET. With the Fighting Illini laying 3.5 points as a home favorite and the total sitting a 43, what’s the best bet in this Nebraska vs. Illinois matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
317 Nebraska Cornhuskers (+3.5) at 318 Illinois Fighting Illini (-3.5); o/u 43
8:00 p.m. ET, Friday, October 6, 2023
Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
TV: FS1
Nebraska vs. Illinois Public Betting Information
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 56% of bets are on Illinois. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Game Notes
Jeff Sims (ankle) did not play in Saturday’s 45-7 loss to Michigan. While Sims did dress for the game, he didn’t see any action in the loss. Heinrich Haarberg was announced as the starter before the contest, though it was believed that Sims would eventually work into the quarterback rotation. Nebraska’s quarterback room will be worth monitoring prior to next week’s game against Illinois.
Illinois Fighting Illini Game Notes
Luke Altmyer was 16-for-25 passing for 202 yards and one touchdown during Saturday’s 44-19 defeat to Purdue. He also had 13 rushes for 29 yards. Altmyer’s final stat line was salvaged by a 10-yard touchdown pass to Pat Bryant that pulled the score to 37-19 early in the fourth quarter. The sophomore transfer ultimately did not finish the contest, as backup John Paddock came in during true garbage time in this blowout loss. Altmyer performed decently considering that Illinois was without No. 1 running back Reggie Love (ankle). The team also lost offensive linemen Josh Gesky (knee/ankle) and Zy Crisler (ankle) to injuries during the third quarter. Altmyer did cough up a fumble for the second week in a row, however, and he’s now totaled nine turnovers compared to eight touchdowns through five starts this season.
Nebraska vs. Illinois Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Nebraska’s last 14 games
The over/under has gone UNDER in 4 of Nebraska’s last 6 games on the road
Illinois is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Nebraska
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Illinois’s last 10 games at home
Nebraska vs. Illinois Betting Prediction
Take the over. No, neither of these teams can move the ball effectively. They also can’t stop anyone. Illinois is dead last in the Big Ten in scoring and total defense, so if ever there was a time for Nebraska to get going offensively, perhaps it’s tonight. Neither of these defenses force turnovers, either, so both offenses should be able to sustain drives. Will they convert in the red zone? That’ll be the key to cashing the over but I’ll willing to pay to find out.
Nebraska vs. Illinois Prediction: OVER 43