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Illinois (3-0) at Indiana (3-0)
- When: Sep 20 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
- Where to watch: NBC
- Last Meeting: Illinois 48-45, November 11th, 2023
(9) Illinois vs (19) Indiana Preview & Prediction
Spread: Indiana -6.5
Moneyline: Indiana (-260)
Total: 53.0
Indiana Hoosiers Betting Outlook
The Hoosiers (3-0) have looked like a wrecking crew in the non-conference slate, highlighted by last week’s 73-0 thrashing of Indiana State. Coach Curt Cignetti has his program thriving with fundamentals: control the line, limit turnovers, and dominate situational football.
Transfer additions like Pat Coogan in the trenches and Hosea Wheeler on defense have solidified a roster already stacked with experience. QB Fernando Mendoza has been laser-accurate, completing over 72% of his passes with nine touchdowns and no interceptions. That efficiency makes Indiana’s offense far more balanced than last season, even with RB Lee Beebe Jr. lost for the year.
Indiana Player Prop to Watch: Fernando Mendoza Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns – with his current rhythm, two scores look very realistic.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Outlook
Illinois (3-0) also comes into this clash undefeated, but their road has been less flashy. Last week’s 38-0 win over Western Michigan looked dominant on paper, though it took until the second half for the Illini to pull away. Against Indiana, a slow start won’t cut it.
QB Luke Altmyer has been nearly flawless, completing nearly 72% of his throws with eight touchdowns and zero turnovers. His composure has been the glue for an Illini offense that steadily wears teams down. Coach Bret Bielema stresses discipline, and this group rarely beats itself with penalties or mistakes. That consistency is Illinois’ best weapon against a red-hot Indiana squad.
Illinois Player Prop to Watch: Luke Altmyer Over 212.5 Passing Yards – his accuracy and decision-making should keep the chains moving.
Prediction & Betting Angle
Both teams are undefeated, but Indiana has looked sharper and more explosive across the board. Illinois plays disciplined ball, yet Indiana’s passing attack behind Mendoza feels like the difference-maker in a matchup that could decide early Big Ten momentum.
Final Score: Indiana 34, Illinois 23
Lean: Indiana -6.5
Total: Over 53.0
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
