At the beginning, when Bret Bielema was hired as head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, nobody could envision the day when they would be ranked in the Top 10 of college football. Following a Week 1 blowout win at home against FCS Western Illinois, the Illini reached #11 in the nation. Next came a potentially dangerous road game against the Duke Blue Devils. Illinois routed Duke in the type of game that they used to lose. This week brings a home game against the Western Michigan Broncos of the MAC. Illinois was a decided College Football Betting favorite
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Illinois Fighting Illini NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL |
| TV Coverage: | FS1 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan | +28 ( -110 ) | 51 ( -110 ) | – |  |
| Illinois | -28 ( -110 ) | 51 ( -110 ) | – | |
| ||||
Western Michigan Broncos Team Overview
Last week, the Western Michigan Broncos lost 33-30 to the North Texas Mean Green as 11.5-point home dogs. The game went over the Online betting total of 56.5. Western Michigan is 0-2 straight up, 2-0 against the spread, and 1-1 over the total. Overall, Western Michigan has national metrics of 127th for total offense, 113th for scoring offense, 87th for total defense, and 104th for fewest points allowed.
Of major concern is this terrible start by Western Michigan. The Broncos are no longer among the MAC or Group of Six elite.
Illinois Fighting Illini Team Overview
Last week, the Illinois Fighting Illini won 45-19 against the Duke Blue Devils as 2.5-point road favorites. The game went over the College Football Betting total of 49. As a result, Illinois is 2-00 straight up, 2-0 against the spread, and 1-1 over the total. Illinois ranks 52nd nationally in total offense, 16th in scoring offense, 50th in total defense, and 29th in fewest points allowed.
Namely, Luke Altmyer went 22 of 31 for 296 yards and three touchdowns as No. 11 Illinois pulled away from mistake-prone Duke on Saturday afternoon in Durham, N.C. Altmyer’s main target was Hank Beatty, who caught eight passes for 128 yards and rushed for a score for the Fighting Illini. Also, Beatty had a 25-yard scoring run. Cole Rusk, Justin Bowick, and Collin Dixon had TD receptions while Kaden Feagin and Ca’Lil Valentine added rushing TDs.
Duke’s Darian Mensah was 23 of 34 for 334 yards, an interception, and two scores to Andrel Anthony. Yet the Blue Devils turned the ball over five times, committed costly penalties, and were outscored 31-6 in the second half. Duke kicker Todd Pelino drilled the first of two 40-yard field goals early in the nonconference matchup.
However, after Duke stopped Illinois in the first two series, the visitors’ Tyler Strain recovered a muffed punt at the Duke 18. Feagin soon punched it in from a yard for a 7-3 lead late in the quarter. After a drive stalled due to multiple penalties, Duke had first-and-goal at the 8-yard line. Hence, Pelino again connected with 11:08 left in the half.
With five minutes left, Altmyer found Rusk from 8 yards for a 14-6 lead, but Mensah tossed a 62-yard pass to Chase Tyler. However, Gabe Jacas then sacked Mensah, and Matthew Bailey recovered the fumble at the Illinois 13. In the third, Illinois went up 21-13 on Altmyer’s 4-yard strike to Bowick following Feagin’s fourth-down conversion.
Western Michigan at Illinois SBG Free Picks
To conclude, this game has the look of a mismatch with teams headed in opposite directions.
Western Michigan at Illinois SBG Best Bet: Illinois Fighting Illini.