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Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers: Predictions, odds and how to watch Friday

Elizabeth Flores   Paste BN

The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, both currently undefeated, are set to face each other in a thrilling Week 4 matchup under the Friday night lights. The anticipation for this game is palpable as both teams strive to maintain their perfect records.

Illinois has had a strong start to the season, with impressive victories over Eastern Illinois, Kansas, and Central Michigan. This winning streak, the first since 2011, has set the stage for an exciting matchup against Nebraska. The Fighting Illini, led by Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, are in top form with a 69.2% completion rate, 647 yards, and six touchdowns this season.

The Cornhuskers are also performing well, having dominated in their first three games of the season and outscoring their opponents by an average of 27 points. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has showcased his versatility with a strong arm and quick decision-making on the ground. He has a 73.8% completion rate, throwing for 670 yards and five touchdowns with one interception.

Both Illinois and Nebraska will look to extend their winning streak in the Week 4 matchup, as one team will be handed their first loss of the season.

More: College football Week 4 predictions: Expert picks for every Top 25 game

College football 2024: Illinois vs. Nebraska predictions

ESPN: Nebraska have a 69% chance to win

According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have a 69.4% chance to beat the Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 4.

Fox Sports: Illinois 22, Nebraska 19

Staff writes: "Over their last three meetings, Illinois has put up two wins against Nebraska. The last three times the Fighting Illini have gone up against the Cornhuskers, they have a 2-1 record against the spread. The scoring has yet to go over the total."

Winners and Whiners: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Chris King writes: "Both teams have been good in the opening three weeks of the season. Illinois owns a win over a Kansas team that was ranked at the time while Nebraska dismantled Colorado at home that same week. While the Fighting Illini has been solid so far, all three games have come at home, so we’ll have to see how they can perform on the road. One major concern about the Fighting Illini’s offense, especially when they go to the air, as they have only two targets that have caught more than three passes on the season. If the Cornhuskers take away Bryant and Franklin, forcing Altmyer to look elsewhere, it’s tough to see the Fighting Illini doing enough offensively to hang in here. Look for Nebraska to improve to 4-0 as their defense steps up once again in this contest."

Covers: Nebraska

Andrew Caley writes: "That edge in the trenches has me leaning toward Nebraska in this matchup. But there's also a chance Illinois keeps it close in what's projected to be a low-scoring game. Particularly so when you consider both teams play at a snail's pace — Illinois ranks 122nd in seconds per play, while Nebraska ranks 115th. But we’ve also missed the best number on the total, with the total now sitting at 42.5. So, let’s get a little exotic with this best bet. BetMGM has moneyline and total points props, so I'm taking Nebraska and Under 48.5 at even money."

College football 2024: Illinois vs. Nebraska odds, lines:

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are favorites to defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini, according to the BetMGM college football odds.

Odds as of Thursday afternoon.

  • Spread: Nebraska (-7.5)
  • Moneylines: Nebraska (-320)
  • Over/under: 42.5

Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024, offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024.

How to watch Illinois vs. Nebraska:

Stream select college football games with a Fubo subscription (free trial)

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