No. 19 Indiana Favored Over No. 9 Illinois in Big Ten Measuring-Stick Matchup

Oddsmakers have Indiana by 6.5 with a 52.5 total, reflecting cautious market views of two unbeaten, top-20 teams.

Overview

Kickoff is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. EDT with coverage on NBC and Peacock.
DraftKings, FanDuel and bet365 each list Indiana -6.5, with totals at 52.5 and moneylines around Indiana -230 to -260 and Illinois +188 to +210.
Newsweek’s betting advice recommends avoiding the full-game spread, taking a small Under 52.5, and a small play on Indiana -1.5 in the first quarter.
Quarterbacks headline the matchup as Illinois veteran Luke Altmyer follows a 22-touchdown 2024 and Indiana transfer Fernando Mendoza draws first-round NFL buzz.
Despite 3-0 starts and top-20 rankings, FanDuel prices both as longshots for the Big Ten title and the 12-team College Football Playoff.