by Rod Pearson
Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, November 18, 2023
Venue: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Where to Watch: Fox Sports 1
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Illinois +3.5, Iowa -3.5; Over/Under: 30.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Illinois +3.5, Iowa -3.5; Over/Under: 30 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Illinois +3.5, Iowa -3.5; Over/Under: 30.5 points
Season Record
Illinois Fighting Illini: 5-5 (3-4) (2nd place, Big Ten West)
Iowa Hawkeyes: 8-2 (5-2) (1st place, Big Ten West)
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Recent Form
Illinois Fighting Illini: won their last game at home against the Indiana Hoosiers in overtime 48-45.
Iowa Hawkeyes: won their last game at home against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 22-0.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes Preview and Analysis
Illinois is entering this game with a 5-5 record overall and they have a 3-4 record in their conference games too. They are 3-3 in their home games, 2-2 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be on the road for this game. They won their last game against Indiana 48-45 in OT. John Paddock was the starting QB and he completed 24/36 passes for 507 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Reggie Love III led the team in rushing yards with 140 and 2 TDs. Isaiah Williams led the receivers with 200 receiving yards on 9 receptions and 2 TDs. Xavier Scott led the defense in that game with 7 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles while Dylan Rosiek, Jer'Zhan Newton, and Gabe Jacas each led the defense in sacks with 1. Mac Resetich came away with the only interception for them in that game.
Iowa is entering this game with an 8-2 record overall and they have a 5-2 record in their conference games too. They are 5-1 in their home games, 2-1 in their road games, and they are also 1-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at home for this game. They won their last game against Iowa 22-0. Deacon Hill was the starting QB and he completed 20/31 passes for 223 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Leshon Williams led the team in rushing yards with 63. Zach Orr led the receivers with 54 receiving yards on 1 reception. Jermari Harris led the defense in that game with 3 solo tackles and 0 assisted tackles while Nick Jackson led the defense in sacks with 1. Quinn Schulte came away with the only interception for them in that game.
Illinois vs Iowa Prediction
The current betting odds have Iowa listed as a 3.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Iowa has looked really good this season on defense and it has been enough to win them a lot of games. They are 8-2 overall with their 5-2 conference record and they have been really good in their home games too as they are 5-1 in those. They just shut out Rutgers in their last game at home and their offense did look a lot better in that game with 22 points. Their offense will only improve in this 2nd home game in a row and they won't struggle as much against this Illinois defense that just gave up 45 points to Indiana. Illinois hasn't looked great this season with their 5-5 record overall and they have been struggling a lot in the conference with their 3-4 record in the Big Ten. They are just 2-2 in their road games too but their defense hasn't been as good as previous year and that has been their downfall in a lot of games this year. Iowa has a really good defense that will give them the edge in this game and their offense will find a way to get it done like they have been doing in a lot of games this season. The best way to place a bet here is on Iowa to cover the spread in this game.
Illinois Iowa Prediction: Our NCAAF Pick for Saturday, November 18, 2023 (3:30 pm ET start time) is Iowa 17 Illinois 6.
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NCAAF Betting Trends
Illinois Fighting Illini: 2-8 ATS in all games. 5-10 ATS off 3 or more consecutive overs. 14-25 ATS after scoring 42 points or more last game. 21-12 UNDER in all games 13-4 UNDER as an underdog. 9-5 UNDER in road games. 22-10 UNDER after scoring 42 points or more last game.
Iowa Hawkeyes: 8-1 ATS when the line is +3 to -3. 15-5 ATS after allowing 100 or less rushing yards last game. 25-12 UNDER in all games. 18-8 UNDER when the total is 42 or less. 13-7 UNDER in home games.
Key Injuries
Illinois Fighting Illini: P. Bryant (WR) Ques Sat - Undisclosed. K. Feagin (RB) Ques Sat - Shoulder. L. Altmyer (QB) Ques Sat - Undisclosed. A. Laughery (RB) out for season - Knee. J. McCray (RB) out for season - Neck. M. Bailey (DB) out for season - Shoulder. D. Hill (DB) out for season - Knee. M. Hood (LB) out for season - Achilles. J. Anderson (RB) out for season - Knee.
Iowa Hawkeyes: D. Vines (WR) Doub Sat - Undisclosed. S. Stilianos (TE) Ques Sat - Undisclosed. T. Hall (DB) Ques Sat - Undisclosed. T. Washington Jr. (RB) Out indefinitely - Undisclosed. E. All (TE) out for season - Knee. C. McNamara (QB) out for season - Knee. A. Fahey (OL) Out indefinitely - Undisclosed. R. Osgood (WR) Out indefinitely - Undisclosed. J. Labas (QB) Out indefinitely - Undisclosed. L. Lachey (TE) out for season - Ankle.
Notable Quotes
“We thought Luke would be cleared to play, but by midweek, we could see it wasn't going to happen. He's cleared now. Do we have a quarterback controversy? No, I think we have two good quarterbacks.” - Bret Bielema after his team’s win against Indiana in their last game.
“As the game kept going, I thought our guys got more confident. November football, and I've said this before, is when things shape up or don't shape up for football teams.” - Kirk Ferentz after his team’s win against Rutgers in their last game.
Starting Lineups
Illinois Fighting Illini
WR Washington, Casey
WR Bryant, Pat
WR Williams, Isaiah
TE Reiman, Tip
QB Altmyer, Luke
RB Love III, Reggie
Iowa Hawkeyes
WR Vines, Diante
WR Anderson, Seth
WR Ragaini, Nico
TE Stilianos, Steven
QB Hill, Deacon
RB Williams, Leshon
FB Large, Hayden
Statistical Leaders
Illinois Fighting Illini
Passing: L. Altmyer (1888)
Rushing: K. Feagin (438)
Receiving: I. Williams (893)
Touchdowns: P. Bryant (6)
Iowa Hawkeyes
Passing: D. Hill (715)
Rushing: L. Williams (614)
Receiving: E. All (299)
Touchdowns: E. All (3)
Coaches:
Illinois Fighting Illini: Bret Bielema (3rd season)
Iowa Hawkeyes: Kirk Ferentz (25th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
