Indiana at Illinois: Big Ten Football Vegas Line and Pick

Thank goodness for the over-saturation of bowls and bowl committees. Otherwise, neither of these 2 teams would have much motivation to win this game.

The Indiana Hoosiers are in midst of a disappointing 3-6 campaign, thanks in part to a brutal Big Ten schedule. The Hoosiers opened against Ohio State, and later faced Penn State, Michigan, MSU and Wisconsin. Wow…that’s 5 teams competing for a College Football Playoff berth.

Now, the path is laid clear for the Hoosiers if they want to reach the postseason. 3 winnable games remain against Illinois, Rutgers and Purdue in that order.

Will Indiana look nervous, afraid to lose, or loose and having fun? That may depend on whether 2-7 Illinois can get up any type of morale going into a home game against a nearby rival.

Bettors think that Indiana is a solid bet. The spread opened at (-8) and is leaning toward the Hoosiers after days of action.

Who: Indiana Hoosiers at Illinois Fighting Illini

When: Saturday, November 11th, 12 PM EST

Where: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL

Lines: Indiana (-8.5) at Illinois (+8.5) / O/U Total: (49)

Big Ten Betting Preview: Indiana at Illinois

For what feels like decades, Illinois has tried to mimic the high-powered spread offenses of Big Ten rivals, only to fall flat due to sloppy play and a porous defense. This season is almost the reverse. The Illini ‘D has been extremely competitive at times, holding Nebraska and Wisconsin to a combined 48 points.

But the offense isn’t falling flat. It’s a flat-out disaster. Heralded QB Jeff George Jr. has been a bust and a half, throwing 5 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions on the season. His mistakes – and at times, poor attitude – have infected the entire offense as the Illini can’t run, can’t pass and often take penalties.

More recently, coaches have tried frosh QB Cam Thomas in George’s spot, but Thomas hasn’t produced very much.

Indiana has lost 4 in a row, including a 45-17 drubbing at the hands of Wisconsin last weekend. But give ’em a break. The schedule has been a brutal, physical torment, and the team has been worn down. The Badgers reported almost no injuries before the Indiana game, giving the favorites a huge advantage. But the Hoosiers aren’t banged up that bad, they just need a get-well game for Richard Lagow to get comfortable passing the ball.

Indiana at Illinois – Winning Bet ATS

Take Indiana to cover.

The Hoosiers are a legit team, still hoping for a bowl shot. They have faced a schedule that would make a Mountain West or Conference USA team quit and take up Pickleball, while the Illini probably couldn’t contend to win a mid-major conference. The disparity makes Indiana a no-brainer pick…even on the road.

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