CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois football travels to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to host the Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. Kickoff is at noon.
Rutgers has enjoyed back-to-back wins and a 4-2 home record. Meanwhile a victory would put the Illini on track to finish the season 9-3, marking their best record since 2007 and the most successful campaign of the Brett Bielema era.
Betting Insights and Game Outlook
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Rutgers opened as a slight favorite at -1, but the line has shifted, with the Scarlet Knights now favored by two points. Illinois comes into the game averaging 27.1 points and 374 yards per contest. However, they face a challenge with a 1-2 record on the road this season.
Illinois’ Season in Perspective
The Fighting Illini started 2024 strong with a four-game winning streak, including a standout performance against Penn State. While a midseason slump saw them struggle, Illinois bounced back last week with a convincing 27-3 win over Michigan State.
Prediction
This game presents an opportunity for both programs to make a statement in the Big Ten. Expect the Illini to find success through the air and make critical defensive stops in the game’s decisive moments.