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 Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Illinois -4 - Spread
Rutgers -2 - Moneyline
Illinois -102, Rutgers -118 - Over/Under
47.5 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 a pleasant surprise this season, outperforming expectations by covering the spread in six of their ten games and surpassing their preseason win total with ease.
The Illini started hot with a four-game winning streak, which included a strong effort against Penn State. However, a midseason slump saw them miss the spread in three of four contests before rebounding last week with a dominant 27-3 win over Michigan State, easily covering the 1.5-point spread.
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Illinois showcased their trademark resilience in that victory. They racked up 369 total yards, converted 8-of-15 third downs, and held Michigan State to just 2-of-15 on third down attempts. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that they fully pulled away, but their defensive discipline was the standout.
Rutgers, on the other hand, demonstrated their offensive growth in a 31-17 win over Maryland. Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 238 yards, while Kyle Monangai added 97 yards and two scores on the ground, helping the Scarlet Knights accumulate 370 total yards.
However, defensive issues remain for Rutgers, as they allowed 457 yards to Maryland, including 335 through the air. Those lapses could spell trouble against an Illinois team that thrives on balance and timely execution.
Both teams come into this matchup with momentum, and Rutgers has averaged 26 points per game over the past month. Still, Illinois’ steady defense and ability to close out games give them the edge.
I like Illinois to handle their business on the road. Expect them to find success through the air and deliver the key defensive stops needed to secure another win—and cover the spread.
Prediction: Illinois 30, Rutgers 24
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