2024-09-21 04:45:03
The No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) open Big Ten play on Friday when they host the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers have been dominant thus far in 2024, outscoring their opponents 102-20 through three games. Nebraska is coming off a 34-3 win over Northern Iowa in Week 3. The Illini have also been dominant this season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball where they are allowing only 8.7 points per game. Illinois is coming off a 30-9 win over Central Michigan in Week 3. Nebraska leads the all-time series 14-6-1. Both teams are 3-0 against the spread this season.
Kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. The Huskers are favored by 9.5 points in the latest Illinois vs. Nebraska odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under is 42.5 points. Before making any Nebraska vs. Illinois picks, you need to see the Week 4 college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s Jimmie Kaylor.
Kaylor is an NFL, college football and DFS expert for SportsLine, who has covered the NFL and college football for close to a decade as a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. His background as a former college football All-American and NFL player gives him a unique perspective when building his fantasy lineups and locking in his betting picks. He has his finger on the pulse of the college football landscape and has been cashing in big for the last two years.
Kaylor destroyed the books in college football in 2023, netting a whopping 57.9 units while posting a 107-45-2 record. Anyone who followed his picks finished the season way up.
Now, Kaylor has dialed in on Nebraska vs. Illinois on Friday and just revealed his picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the college football odds and betting lines on the spread, money line and over/under for Illinois vs. Nebraska:
- Illinois vs. Nebraska spread: Nebraska -9.5
- Illinois vs. Nebraska over/under: 42.5 points
- Illinois vs. Nebraska money line: Nebraska -365, Illinois +283
- Illinois vs. Nebraska picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Nebraska can cover
The Huskers have been dominant on the defensive side of the ball in 2024. The Blackshirts have allowed just 20 total points through three games, and they have been particularly impressive on the line of scrimmage. Matt Rhule’s defense is allowing just 70.3 rushing yards per game, and the unit has racked up nine sacks.
Offensively, the Huskers have been balanced and efficient. True freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola deservedly gets a lot of the attention, and enters this matchup completing 73.8% of his pass attempts for 670 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Nebraska also averages 171.3 yards per game, with sophomore running back Dante Dowdell (184 yards, three touchdowns) leading the way. See which team to pick here.
Why Illinois can cover
This year’s Illinois team has a very similar look to head coach Bret Bielema’s teams at Wisconsin. The Illini play excellent defense, and are efficient and physical on offense. Junior defensive back Xavier Scott has been a game-changer for Illinois, and enters this matchup with three interceptions, one forced fumble and a pick-six.
Offensively, quarterback Luke Altmyer has taken a massive step forward in his second season with the program. The Ole Miss transfer has completed 69.2% of his pass attempts for 647 yards, six touchdowns and zero turnovers. His top target has been senior wide receiver Pat Bryant, who enters this game with 15 catches for 235 yards and four touchdowns. See which team to pick here.
How to make Illinois vs. Nebraska picks
Kaylor has analyzed Nebraska vs. Illinois from every angle and he’s leaning Over on the point total. He has also discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He’s only sharing what it is, and which side to back, at SportsLine.
So who wins Nebraska vs. Illinois in Lincoln on Friday, and what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the expert who profited $5,790 for $100 college football bettors in 2023, and find out.
