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Western Illinois (0-0) at Illinois (0-0)
- When: Aug 29 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Last Meeting: Illinois 34-14, September 8th, 2018
Western Illinois vs (12) Illinois Preview & Prediction
Spread: Illinois -45.5
Moneyline: N/A
Total: 63.5
Friday night in Champaign will feel like a family reunion, Illinois football is back in the preseason Top 25 for the first time since 2008, and expectations are sky-high. Western Illinois, meanwhile, shows up as the paycheck opponent, hoping to make it look respectable.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Outlook
Illinois is coming off a 10–3 campaign and returns 16 starters. That continuity, plus a seasoned QB in Luke Altmyer, has fans whispering about the College Football Playoff. While losing Patrick Bryant to the NFL hurts the receiving corps, Collin Dixon and Hank Beatty are poised to fill the gap.
The main worry for Illinois is upfront, standout left tackle J.C. Davis is battling plantar fasciitis, and right tackle Melvin Priestly has been nicked up. Still, against an FCS opponent, depth should carry the day. With a spread this big, bettors will want to see if the Illini keep their foot on the gas for four quarters.
Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Outlook
Western Illinois had one of the better recruiting classes in the Big South/OVC and is coming off a year where they led their league in offense. But there’s a difference between moving the ball against Tennessee Tech and facing a Top-15 Big Ten defense.
New quarterback Chris Irvin takes over after Nate Lamb’s graduation, and while the Leathernecks can put up points at their level, they’re about to run into a different beast. Last year’s 77-3 drubbing at Indiana still looms large, and this trip to Champaign doesn’t project much kinder.
Prediction & Betting Angle
Illinois is the clear favorite, and this one has “stat-padding” written all over it. Expect early fireworks from Altmyer and the Illini offense, while the defense makes life miserable for the Leathernecks. With a massive spread, the backdoor cover is the only intrigue.
Final Score: Illinois 55, Western Illinois 10
Lean: Western Illinois +45.5
Total: Over 63.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
