Predictions, Player Props, and Odds for the Illinois vs Nebraska Game on Friday, September 20th

• #24 Illinois travels to Lincoln to take on #22 Nebraska in a Friday night Big Ten showdown
• Nebraska is favored by 7.5 to 8.5 points, with the total set at 43 in a game expected to be a defensive battle
• Read below for Nebraska vs Illinois prediction, player props and odds for September 2o

We’ve got  a Big Ten battle under the Friday night lights as the #24 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) travel to Lincoln to take on the #22 Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) on September 20, 2024. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM EDT at Memorial Stadium, with the game broadcast on FOX.

Both teams are undefeated, and the stakes are high in this early-season conference showdown. The Cornhuskers are favored by 7.5 to 8.5 points, with the total sitting at 43.

This matchup is all about two programs on the rise. Bret Bielema has Illinois playing tough, physical football, while Nebraska is thriving under second-year head coach Matt Rhule. With both teams ranked and looking to make a statement, this game has all the makings of a classic Big Ten slugfest.

Illinois vs Nebraska Prediction

Illinois has looked sharp, outscoring opponents 98-26 en route to a 3-0 start. However, their signature win over Kansas has lost some shine after the Jayhawks stumbled against UNLV. Still, the Illini defense has been stout, allowing just 8.7 points per game (13th in FBS) and forcing eight turnovers.

Offensively, QB Luke Altmyer has been efficient, and the running game is averaging 153.3 yards per contest.

Nebraska, on the other hand, has been downright dominant. The Blackshirts are back, holding opponents to just 211 rushing yards and 555 passing yards through three games.

Freshman phenom Dylan Raiola has been as advertised, completing 72.7% of his passes for 666 yards and a 5-to-1 TD/INT ratio.

While Illinois’ defense will test Raiola, I expect Nebraska’s defensive front to control the line of scrimmage, especially if they can dominate time of possession as they did in last year’s 20-7 win, holding Illinois to just 21 rushing yards.

I’m predicting Nebraska weathers the storm and pulls away late, winning by an approximate 24-13 scoe to move to 4-0. Lay the points with the Huskers and also take the “under” as both defenses shine.

• Best Bet: Nebraska -8.5

Illinois vs Nebraska Player Props

Luke Altmyer Passing Yards

Altmyer has been efficient but hasn’t had to carry the Illinois offense, averaging just 215.7 passing yards per game. Against Nebraska’s stingy defense, which ranks 57th nationally in passing yards allowed (185 per game), Altmyer may struggle to find open receivers consistently.

With Illinois likely to lean on its ground game and the potential for Nebraska to control the clock, the under on Altmyer’s passing yards looks like a solid bet.

Dante Dowdell rushing yards

Dowdell has quickly become the focal point of Nebraska’s rushing attack, racking up 184 yards and three touchdowns on just 31 carries (5.9 yards per attempt).

The powerful back should see plenty of action against an Illinois defense that may be forced to allocate extra resources to slowing down the Huskers’ passing game. If Dowdell gets rolling, he could be in for a big night under the lights at Memorial Stadium.

Pat Bryant receptions:

Bryant has been Luke Altmyer’s go-to target in the early going, hauling in a team-high 15 catches for 235 yards and four touchdowns through three games.

With Illinois potentially playing from behind and Altmyer facing pressure from the Nebraska pass rush, Bryant should see plenty of targets as a safety valve. Even if his yardage total is kept in check, the over on Bryant’s reception total is a smart play.

Illinois vs Nebraska Odds

Odds from BetMGM Sportsbook as of September 17, 2024

The oddsmakers have installed Nebraska as a hefty 8.5-point favorite, with the moneyline sitting at -310 for the Huskers and +260 for the Illini. The total is set at a modest 43 points, reflecting the expectation of a low-scoring, defensive battle.

The line movement has been noteworthy, with the spread ticking up from an initial offering of Nebraska -7.5 to the current number of -8.5. This suggests that sharp bettors have been backing the Huskers, further cementing their status as the clear favorite in this matchup.

Both teams have trended toward the under this season, with each squad going 3-0 to the under through their first three games. Given the strength of these two defenses and the likelihood of a run-heavy game script, it’s not surprising to see the total sitting in the low 40s.

When it comes to the betting public, Nebraska is drawing the majority of the action. According to the latest betting splits, the Huskers are seeing 64% of the spread bets and a whopping 72% of the moneyline wagers. This lopsided action further reinforces the idea that Nebraska is the popular pick among casual bettors.

Illinois vs Nebraska Head to Head

Historically, Nebraska has had the upper hand in this matchup, owning a 14-6-1 all-time record against Illinois. The Cornhuskers have been particularly dominant in recent years, winning five of the last six meetings dating back to 2016.

Last season, Nebraska went into Champaign and emerged with a convincing 20-7 victory. The Huskers’ defense was the story of the game, holding Illinois to just 21 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers. On the other side of the ball, Nebraska controlled the clock with a methodical ground attack, rushing for 167 yards on 44 carries.

However, while Nebraska has had the edge straight up, Illinois has been a tough out against the spread. The Illini have covered in four of their last five games against the Huskers, including a push as 7-point underdogs in last year’s contest. This suggests that even when Illinois loses, they tend to keep the game competitive and exceed market expectations.

Looking ahead to Friday night’s showdown, the recent head-to-head history suggests that Nebraska should be able to impose its will defensively and control the tempo with its rushing attack. However, the Illini’s track record of playing the Huskers tough against the spread indicates that this game could be closer than the betting line suggests.

The Illinois Fighting Illini will face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a highly anticipated college football matchup on Friday, September 20th. Both teams are coming off strong performances in their previous games and will be looking to continue their winning streaks.

Looking at the predictions for this game, it is expected to be a close and competitive matchup. The Fighting Illini have shown improvement this season under head coach Lovie Smith and have a strong running game led by running back Reggie Corbin. On the other hand, the Cornhuskers have a potent offense led by quarterback Adrian Martinez and will look to exploit Illinois’ defense.

In terms of player props, keep an eye on Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters. Peters has shown flashes of brilliance this season and could have a big game against Nebraska’s defense. Running back Reggie Corbin is also a player to watch as he has the ability to break off big runs and make plays in the passing game.

For Nebraska, quarterback Adrian Martinez will be the key player to watch. Martinez is a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs. Wide receiver JD Spielman is another player to keep an eye on as he has the speed and playmaking ability to make big plays down the field.

As for the odds, Nebraska is currently favored to win this game by a narrow margin. However, with the game being played at Illinois’ home field, anything can happen. Both teams will be looking to make a statement in this early season matchup and it should be an exciting game to watch.

In conclusion, the Illinois vs Nebraska game on Friday, September 20th is shaping up to be a competitive and exciting matchup. With strong players on both sides of the ball and close odds, this game could go either way. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle between these two Big Ten teams as they look to secure a crucial early season victory.