Northwestern-Illinois odds, picks and best bets
The Northwestern Wildcats (2-9, 0-8 Big Ten West) visit the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-5, 4-4) Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Memorial Stadium (on FS1). We analyze the Northwestern-Illinois odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
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Northwestern at Illinois: Three things to know
1. Northwestern lost at home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers 38-22 last week to remain winless in conference play. The Wildcats gave up scores on the Gophers' first three possessions. A bright spot for NU was the emergence of sophomore QB Andrew Marty, who entered early in the second quarter and completed 8-of-10 passes for 95 yards and a TD, while running for 52 yards and two more scores.
2. Illinois, which is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014, had a four-game win streak snapped with a 19-10 loss at the then-No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes last Saturday. The Illini were held to their lowest point total of the season and turned the ball over three times. Trailing 13-7, Illinois was intercepted in the end zone on its first possession of the second half, which was followed by a missed field goal on its next drive.
3. Northwestern has won the last four head-to-head meetings, including 24-16 last year. A win Saturday would mark the Wildcats' first five-game winning streak in the series, which dates back to 1892 and that the Illini lead 55-52-5. Northwestern owns four four-game win streaks vs. Illinois.
Northwestern at Illinois : Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM ; access Paste BN Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Illinois 38, Northwestern 17
Moneyline (ML)
AVOID. Illinois is -400. Every $4 wagered on the Illini to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $40 to profit $10). Betting on Northwestern (+280) would profit 2.8-to-1 if the 'Cats prevail, but I don't see that happening. However, I'm not willing to wager the -400 chalk and I'm going to pass.
Against the Spread (ATS)
ILLINOIS (- 9.5, + 100) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Coach Lovie Smith has turned the program around and the Illini are hungry for a win vs. their instate rival. They've covered six in a row are and 8-3 ATS this season, while the Wildcats are 2-9 ATS.
New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered that Illinois will win by 10 points or more will profit $1.
Over/Under (O/U)
A slight lean to the OVER43.5 (- 110). Both teams are 4-7 O/U this season, while Illinois averages 28.8 PPG and Northwestern scores at a lowly 15.2 per game clip. But with this being Senior Day in Champaign, Ill., look for the home team to keep its foot on the throttle.
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Johnny's 2019 college football record: 9-5 ( November: 4-0).
November's strongest plays: 6-3.
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