This weekend, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights host the Illinois Fighting Illini in Piscataway. Rutgers, now 6-4, enters the game riding the momentum of back-to-back wins and a strong 4-2 home record. The Scarlet Knights have been tough to beat on their home turf, showing resilience in front of their fans.
On the other side, Illinois comes in at 7-3, looking to add another chapter to a season filled with promise. With an offense averaging 374 yards and 27.1 points per game, the Illini have showcased balance but face the challenge of a 1-2 record on the road. This game is about more than just a win—it’s an opportunity for both teams to make a statement in the Big Ten, as our Illinois vs. Rutgers prediction breaks down.
Illinois vs. Rutgers Betting Preview
All Illinois vs. Rutgers odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Illinois -4 - Spread
Rutgers -1.5 - Moneyline
Rutgers -122, Illinois +102 - Over/Under
47 points - Game time
Noon ET - Location
SHI Stadium | Piscataway, NJ - Predicted Weather at Kick
50 degrees, mostly cloudy, 12 mph winds - How To Watch
Peacock
Rutgers initially opened as a slim favorite at -1. That number floated back and forth from -1 to a pick ’em until Illinois became the favorite by a single point. But it has now moved back to Rutgers by two points.
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The total opened at 50.5 and dropped as low as 46.5 before rising again and settling at 47.5. Like the spread, the total will likely see more action, resulting in a moving line.
Illinois’s Winning Probability
According to CFN’s Football Playoff Meter, the Illini have a 61.1% chance of defeating the Scarlet Knights on Saturday.
If the win probabilities hold, Illinois will finish its 2024 campaign at 9-3. This would be the most wins during the Brett Bielema era and the most for an Illini football team since Illinois finished 9-4 under Ron Zook in 2007.
- at Rutgers: 61.1%
- at Northwestern: 79.6%
Rutgers’s Winning Probability
According to the CFN FPM, Rutgers has a 38.9% chance of defeating Illinois on Saturday.
If the win probabilities hold, the Scarlet Knights would finish 2024 at 7-5. This would be the second consecutive season with seven wins under Greg Schiano, and Rutgers would be in search of their second straight bowl victory.
- vs. Illinois: 38.9%
- at Michigan State: 50.8%
Prediction for Illinois vs. Rutgers
Illinois has been one of the more pleasant surprises this season, outperforming expectations by covering the spread in six of their ten games and breezing past their preseason win total.
The Illini came out of the gates strong, ripping off a four-game winning streak that included a gritty effort against Penn State. However, a midseason slump saw them fall short of the spread in three of four games before bouncing back in a big way last week with a dominant 27-3 victory over Michigan State, easily covering the 1.5-point line.
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In that win, Illinois showcased their signature resilience. They piled up 369 total yards, converted 8-of-15 third downs, and stifled Michigan State’s offense, holding them to just 2-of-15 on third downs. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that they truly pulled away, but the defensive discipline they displayed all game long was the difference.
Rutgers, meanwhile, showed flashes of their offensive potential in a 31-17 win over Maryland. Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 238 yards, while Kyle Monangai chipped in 97 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, contributing to the Scarlet Knights’ 370 total yards.
That said, Rutgers’ defensive struggles remain an issue. They gave up 457 total yards to Maryland, including 335 through the air. Those vulnerabilities could prove costly against an Illinois team that thrives on balance and capitalizing on key moments.
Both teams come into this matchup with momentum, and Rutgers has been averaging 26 points per game over the past month. Still, Illinois’ steady defense and ability to execute in clutch situations give them a clear advantage.
I like Illinois to take care of business on the road. Look for the Illini to find success in the passing game and come up with the defensive stops needed to secure another win—and another cover.
Prediction: Illinois 30, Rutgers 24
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