Illinois was ranked #16 in the first CFP polls released this week and they’re over two TD favorites to run their winning streak to seven in a row. The Fighting Illini can’t get caught looking past Michigan State to next week’s matchup with Purdue that could very much wrap up the Big Ten West, because Illinois’ only loss this season came to Big Ten East foe Indiana 23-20. The Fighting Illini are 5-0 at home heading into the Michigan State vs Illinois matchup.
Before Betting on Michigan State vs Illinois
It’s been an interesting week for Michigan State after their 29-7 loss to rival Michigan that included video of some locker room assaults on Wolverines players after the game. Four MSU players have been suspended for the Illinois game.
Illinois has put together a pretty solid formula for winning this season – run the football with the nation’s leading rusher Chase Brown (1,208 yards) and play crippling defense that leads the country with just 8.9 ppg allowed. Michigan State has the third worst rush defense in the Big Ten so it’s looking like 100+ again for Brown.
It’s hard to see Michigan State’s offense putting up much of a fight against this defense, especially after all the distractions this week. The Spartans have the third worst rushing attack in the Big Ten (97.5 ypg) and are middle of the pack throwing the football.
Spartans vs Fighting Illini NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | MSU (+550) | Illinois (-750) | 40.5 | MSU +16.5 (-113) | Illinois -16.5 (-107) |
| Bovada | MSU (+525) | Illinois (-800) | 40.5 | MSU +16 (-110) | Illinois -16.5 (-110) |
| BetUS | MSU (+550) | Illinois (-750) | 40.5 | MSU +16.5 (-110) | Illinois -16.5 (-110) |
| SportsBetting.ag | MSU (+550) | Illinois (-750) | 40.5 | MSU +16.5 (-113) | Illinois -16.5 (-107) |
| Pinnacle | MSU (+537) | Illinois (-743) | 40.5 | MSU +16.5 (-106) | Illinois -16.5 (-106) |
| MyBookie | MSU (+508) | Illinois (-795) | 40.5 | MSU +14 (-113) | Illinois -14 (-107) |
Michigan State vs Illinois Prediction & Pick
There’s a huge drop in this line at MyBookie and the 2.5 difference even leaves a middling opportunity if the final margin can fall in the 15 or 16 point range. If you’re taking the points Pinnacle is the place to do so.
Illinois can win this game by two TDs, Michigan State is distracted and the Fighting Illini are really, really, good for the first time in a long time so they won’t lose focus for the upcoming Purdue or Michigan games.
Pick: Fighting Illini -14 (MyBookie)
