In this Big Ten matchup on Saturday, the Illinois Fighting Illini will face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The game showcases the 5-5 Fighting Illini against the 8-2 Hawkeyes. While Illinois still holds a slim chance of clinching the Big Ten West, they must secure victories in this game and the next against Northwestern, a scenario that significantly influences the scores and odds for the division title.
Illinois vs Iowa Picks
- NCAAF Pick: Hawkeyes -3
Additionally, their hopes rely on Iowa suffering a loss on the road against Nebraska. A win in this game would place the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten title game against the victor of the Ohio State/Michigan matchup. The Hawkeyes enter the contest on the back of two consecutive wins, including a dominant 22-0 performance against Rutgers last weekend. Iowa’s two losses this season occurred against Penn State on the road and at home against Minnesota.
On the other hand, Illinois, with a 5-5 record, managed an overtime win over Indiana in their previous outing, scoring 48 points. The week before, they secured a road victory against Minnesota. Let’s find out more about the game and look at the Illinois vs Iowa odds:
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes Odds
Here are the updated NCAAF odds, and especially the Illinois vs Iowa odds:
- Spread: Iowa Hawkeyes -3, Illinois Fighting Illini +3
- Total: 30.5
- Moneyline: Iowa Hawkeyes -155, Illinois Fighting Illini +135
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes Information
Let’s take a look at some information on these two NCAA Football teams out of the Big Ten:
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes
Date & Time: Saturday November 18th, 2023; 2:30pm CST
Location of the game: Kinnick Stadium; Iowa City, IA
How to Watch: Fox Sports 1
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
In 2023, the Iowa Hawkeyes became a notable story. Despite criticism for their offensive capabilities, the Hawkeyes have consistently secured victories. They stand out as one of the top defensive teams in College Football, allowing a total of 43 points in their last five wins. Even in their recent loss, they conceded just 12 points.
However, offensively, Iowa faces challenges, ranking 130th in passing yards and 104th in rushing yards. Their combined yardage is less than 250 per game, and they score an average of 18.8 points, while their defense ranks third in the nation, allowing only 12.3 points per game. While the Iowa Hawkeyes stats on offense have been ugly, they have looked good on defense.
Iowa will conclude their regular season against Nebraska next week, awaiting further details about their postseason.
With a 5-5 record, the Fighting Illini are striving for one more win to secure a spot in a bowl game. Their opportunity lies in either this game or the following week against Northwestern, who is also seeking bowl eligibility. Illinois is among the five teams in the Big Ten West with a 3-4 mark, trailing behind Iowa.
Luke Altmyer is expected to return as the quarterback for the Fighting Illini in this game. Altmyer has thrown 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. In the previous game, his absence allowed backup John Paddock to shine, throwing for 729 yards and six touchdowns in limited playing time.
Kaden Feagin leads the Illini’s running game, needing five more carries to reach 100 for the season and 62 yards to reach 500. Isaiah Williams, a talented receiver, aims to accumulate 107 more yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Illinois Fighting Illini picks this season have been very up and down, and several surprises.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Picks
This Big Ten College Football matchup is characterized by a stark contrast in strengths and weaknesses. Iowa excels defensively but struggles offensively, while Illinois displays competence on offense but weakness on defense. With the game taking place in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes are poised to secure a victory.
They will not score much but should be enough for a win and to cover the spread. We are taking the Iowa Hawkeyes 17-10 over Illinois. When looking at the final Illinois vs Iowa odds: Bet the Hawkeyes -3. Good luck with your College Football predictions.
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