Week 3 in the Big Ten brings us a matchup between two unbeaten teams heading into Week 4. #9 Illinois rolls into Bloomington at 3-0, surging into the playoff conversation as they continue to win. Indiana, also off to a hot start, will try to defend its home turf despite losing Lee Beebe Jr for the season. With early-season momentum on the line, both programs see this as a chance to build credibility in the conference race.
Illinois vs Indiana: Key Players to Watch
For Illinois, quarterback Luke Altmyer has been efficient, tossing eight touchdowns without an interception through three games. He’s paired with running back Kaden Feagin, who’s providing a steady rushing presence. Together, they’ve helped Illinois find offensive balance that was missing in previous years.
Indiana’s offense, however, suffered a major blow when running back Lee Beebe Jr. was lost for the season with a knee injury. Beebe was averaging nearly eight yards per carry, and replacing that production won’t be easy. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza will now be asked to shoulder more responsibility, with Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby stepping in to help fill the void.
Odds and Betting Lines for Illinois vs Indiana
Sportsbooks opened the line with Indiana as a 4.5-point favorite, and some books have already moved it closer to -5.5. The over/under sits around 52.5 points, signaling that oddsmakers expect a decent amount of scoring on both sides. Indiana’s moneyline hovers around –210, while Illinois bettors can grab the Illini as underdogs between +170 and +180.
Illinois vs Indiana Predictions
This matchup feels like a strength-on-strength battle. Illinois has been opportunistic on offense, with Altmyer rarely making mistakes. But the Illini haven’t yet faced a defensive front as aggressive as Indiana’s. The Hoosiers have forced turnovers in each of their first three games, and at home, they’ll look to keep that trend going.
Still, the loss of Beebe Jr. looms large. The rest of the Hoosiers’ offense will need to take pressure off Mendoza or risk becoming too one-dimensional. Illinois, meanwhile, will try to use Feagin to control the tempo and keep the Hoosier defense on the field. This one should be close well into the second half, and the offenses should roll. The over seems like the best way to lean it, for what should be a great game on Saturday night.
Best bet: Over 52.5
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