Illinois Fighting Illini vs Northwestern Wildcats Prediction, Odds & Picks

The Illinois Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats will finish their regular season competing within the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field. Illinois is currently ranked 23rd in the nation and is looking to complete its first 9 win season since 2007. The Illini have won their last 2 games scoring 38 points in each win. Northwestern will fall short of a bowl game this season. The Wildcats have lost 4 of their last 5 games, with all 4 losses being by 20 or more points. Their only win is a 26-20 win over 1-10 Purdue. This could be considered a home game for Northwestern, but that hasn’t worked out well when playing at Wrigley. NU is 0-4 at this venue since 2010. I expect more Illini fans to make the trip up north and for this game to feel more like a neutral site.

‘Cats quarterback Jack Lausch took over the starting job earlier this season from Mike Wright after Wright struggled through his first 2 games. Northwestern loves to throw the football, but — unfortunately — even with Lausch, the Wildcats have struggled. They have attempted more passing plays than running despite averaging just 5.7 yards per carry. attempts and 172.9 yards per match this season through the air. Lausch has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, which will be a problem against Illinois — a team that excels against the pass. Illinois has 9 interceptions this season and is holding opponents to an average of 212 passing yards per carry. match. Where Illinois struggles is against the run, but Northwestern’s has yet to produce a consistent rushing attack this season. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has had his best year yet in Orange with 20 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions. I expect the Illini to improve to 9 wins at Northwestern’s expense.

Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction: Illinois -7.5 (-110) available at time of publication. Can be played on that track.

You can bet on our Illinois vs Northwestern picks at DraftKings Sportsbook, which has thousands of betting options available and a great new customer offer where you can get $150 in bonus bets instantly when you make a first bet of just $5! Click here to sign up for a DraftKings account now.