It is true that Bret Bielema has achieved a lot in a short time as head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini. First and foremost, he has given an anonymous program a much-needed personality injection. Bielema is building a big, tough, physical program in his Betting on College Football image. And the Illini are coming off a 2022 bowl campaign. Last week, the Jayhawks ran the Illini off the field at Kansas. A tricky game at Kansas against the improving Jayhawks. Now comes a big-name opportunity at home against the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 16, 2023, 12 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | -14 ( -110 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | -750 |  |
| Illinois | +14 ( -110 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | +525 | |
| ||||
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Overview
Last game, the Penn State Nittany Lions won 63-7 against the Delaware Blue Hens as 44-point home favorites. The game went over the offshore bookmaker total of 55.5. Penn State has a record of 2-0 straight up, 2-0 against the spread, and 2-0 over/under the total. Penn State ranks 14th for total offense, 39th for passing, 16th for rushing, and 7th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 13th overall, 7th against the pass, 69th against the rush, and 17th for points allowed. Also, Penn State ranks 30th for fewest turnovers lost and 90th for takeaways.
With their combined physicality, Penn State running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen want to break opposing defenses. So far, the sophomores are off to a good start. Singleton ran for three touchdowns. At the same time, Allen added 103 yards and another rushing score as No. 7 Penn State pulled away from Delaware. Singleton scored on a 2-yard run on the opening drive. And then Allen made it 14-0 with a 4-yard run. Singleton scored twice more in the second quarter. In turn, Allar hit Warren with a short touchdown pass that gave Penn State a 35-7 halftime lead.
Illinois Fighting Illini Team Overview
Last game, the Illinois Fighting Illini lost 34-23 against the Kansas Jayhawks as 3.5-point road dogs. The game tied the total of 57. Illinois has a record of 1-1 straight up, 0-2 against the spread, and 1-0-1 over/under the total. Illinois ranks 86th for total offense, 90th for passing, 72nd for rushing, and 87th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 126th overall, 99th against the pass, 124th against the rush, and 107th for points allowed. Also, Illinois ranks 18th for fewest turnovers lost and 53rd for takeaways.
In sum, Kansas QB Jalen Daniels threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns. And then Devin Neal ran for 120 yards and another score. It was the first meeting between the Power Five schools since 1968. To summarize, the Jayhawks piled up nearly 300 yards of offense in the first half and finished with 543 for the game. The Illini trailed 34-7 before Altmyer scored both TDs on the ground. And the 2-point conversions got them within 34-23 late in the fourth quarter. But the Illinois quarterback was picked off with 1:59 to go, ending the comeback bid.
Penn State at Illinois SBG Free Picks
On this occasion, Illinois will have a huge crowd demanding the upset. The Fighting Illini are tough enough to stay within the Betting on College Football number. An upset is possible in Champaign!
Penn State at Illinois SBG Best Bet: Illinois Fighting Illini.