The 22nd ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) will open Big Ten play on Friday at Memorial Stadium against the 24th ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0). The Huskers have been dominant so far in 2024, outscoring their opponents 102-20 in their three games. Nebraska is coming off a 34-3 win over Northern Iowa in Week 3. The Illini have also been dominant this season, allowing only 8.7 points per game on the defensive end. Illinois is coming off a 30-9 win over Central Michigan in Week 3. Nebraska leads the season with a 14-6-1 record. Both teams are 3-0 against the spread this season.
Kickoff at Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 8 PM ET. The latest Illinois vs. Nebraska odds from SportsLine’s consensus have the Huskers favored by 9.5 points, while the over/under is 42.5 points. Before making any Nebraska vs. Illinois picks, you should check out SportsLine’s Jimmy Kaler’s Week 4 college football predictions and betting advice.
Keillor is SportsLine’s NFL, college football and DFS expert and a member of the Professional Football Writers Association who has covered the NFL and college football for nearly a decade. His background as a former college football All-American and NFL player gives him a unique perspective when building fantasy lineups and finalizing betting selections. He knows the pulse of the college football world and has made a ton of money over the past two years.
Keillor had a phenomenal 2023 college football season, collecting a whopping 57.9 units while compiling a record of 107 wins, 45 losses and 2 ties, and anyone who followed his projections ended the season pretty highly.
Keillor will be looking at Friday’s Nebraska vs. Illinois game and has his predictions and forecasts: To see his predictions, visit SportsLine now: Here are the college football odds, spread, moneyline and over/under betting lines for Illinois vs. Nebraska:
Illinois vs. Nebraska spread: Nebraska -9.5Illinois vs. Nebraska over/under: 42.5 pointsIllinois vs. Nebraska moneyline: Nebraska -365, Illinois +283Illinois vs. Nebraska picks: See SportsLine picks
Why Nebraska has you covered
The Huskers have been a dominant force defensively in 2024. The Blackshirts have allowed just 20 points total in three games, especially at the line of scrimmage, as Matt Rhule’s defense has allowed just 70.3 rushing yards per game and recorded nine sacks.
Offensively, the Huskers are balanced and efficient. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has rightfully gotten a lot of attention, completing 73.8% of his passes for 670 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Nebraska is averaging 171.3 yards per game, led by sophomore running back Dante Dowdell (184 yards, three touchdowns). Find out which team to pick here.
Why Illinois has you covered
This year’s Illinois team is very similar to the Wisconsin team under coach Bret Bielema. Illinois plays good defense and has an efficient, physical offense. Junior defensive back Xavier Scott has been a game-changer for Illinois, recording three interceptions, one forced fumble and six rebounds in this matchup.
Offensively, quarterback Luke Altmyer has taken big steps in his second year with the program. The transfer from the University of Mississippi has completed 69.2% of his passes for 647 yards, six touchdowns and zero turnovers. His biggest target will be senior wide receiver Pat Bryant, who enters the game with 15 catches for 235 yards and four touchdowns. Find out which team to pick here.
How to predict Illinois vs. Nebraska
Keillor broke down Nebraska vs. Illinois from every angle and is leaning towards the over on the point total, and he also found a key X-factor that tips the scales heavily on one side of the spread, and he’s sharing exclusively with SportsLine what it is and which side you should back.
So who will win Friday’s Nebraska vs. Illinois game in Lincoln, and what are the key X-factors that make you bet either side of the spread? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you should bet on, with an expert who made $5,790 off a $100 college football bet in 2023.