The No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) will begin their Big Ten season on Friday, hosting the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska has been impressive so far, outscoring opponents 102-20 in three games, and recently secured a decisive 34-3 victory over Northern Iowa. Illinois has also shown strength this season, particularly on defense, conceding only 8.7 points per game, following a 30-9 win against Central Michigan.
Historically, Nebraska leads the rivalry with a record of 14-6-1. Both teams have performed well against the spread, each boasting a 3-0 record.
The game is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET in Lincoln, with Nebraska currently favored by 9.5 points in the latest betting odds. The over/under for the game is set at 42.5 points. Before placing any bets, be sure to check the Week 4 college football predictions and insights offered by SportsLine’s Jimmie Kaylor.
Kaylor is a seasoned expert in NFL and college football, having reported on the sports for nearly ten years. With a background as a former college football All-American and NFL player, he brings a unique perspective to his analyses. Last season, Kaylor excelled in college football betting, gaining an impressive 57.9 units with a record of 107-45-2.
For Friday’s matchup, Kaylor has provided his insights and predictions. Here are the current betting lines for Illinois vs. Nebraska:
– Spread: Nebraska -9.5
– Over/Under: 42.5 points
– Money line: Nebraska -365, Illinois +283
Reasons Nebraska might cover the spread include their formidable defense, which has only allowed 20 points across three games, and a strong performance on the line of scrimmage. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola is also showcasing exceptional skill, completing nearly 74% of his passes for 670 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception.
On the other side, Illinois has a similar defensive approach to previous teams coached by Bret Bielema. The Illini are known for their physical play and efficiency in both defense and offense. Junior defensive back Xavier Scott stands out with three interceptions so far, and quarterback Luke Altmyer, in his second year with the team, has made notable strides, throwing for 647 yards and six touchdowns without any turnovers.
Kaylor has reviewed the game from various perspectives and is leaning towards the Over on the total points while identifying a crucial factor that could sway the spread. To find out more on which side to support, visit SportsLine for Kaylor’s expert analysis.
As game day approaches, the anticipation builds for this matchup between Nebraska and Illinois, set against the backdrop of a historic rivalry.