#23 Nebraska vs. #13 Illinois: Predictions and Analysis

Stojakovic has led the Illini in scoring in three separate games this year - Illinois Tennessee Picks

Another huge weekend in the Big Ten is here, and this matchup jumps right to the top of the board. Nebraska and Illinois have both opened the season with energy, confidence, and plenty to build on. Now they meet in a game that feels like an early measuring stick for each program. Nebraska just picked up a statement win and Illinois is looking to show why it belongs near the top of the conference. This one has the pace, talent, and stakes to deliver a real battle.

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#23 Nebraska vs. #13 Illinois Odds

Can Nebraska replicate what they did against Wiscosnin?

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Spread

Nebraska: +8.5 (-+100)

Illinois: -8.5 (-120)

Total

Over: 154.5 (-110)

Under: 154.5 (-110)

Moneyline

Nebraska +400

Illinois: -550

#23 Nebraska vs. #13 Illinois Best Bet

One of the biggest games of the weekend, No. 23 Nebraska heads to Champaign to take on No. 13 Illinois. Both teams are coming off wins in their previous games and are looking to add another Big Ten win to their early resume.

The Cornhuskers are coming off a dominant win over Wisconsin, taking them down 90 to 60 in their last matchup. Now they have to pack it up and head to Champaign to face another top 50 team. Does Nebraska have the juice to win in back to back games against top Big Ten opponents? I lean no.

I grabbed the Fighting Illini as soon as the line opened Friday morning at 8.5. This has been a spot I have had circled all week based on how Nebraska has been playing. Illinois looks strong out of the gate. They have a few blemishes on their record, but they have been tested and have delivered in some big moments.

This is also the first true road game the Cornhuskers have faced all season. Seven of their first 10 games have been at home, and the remaining three were neutral site matchups. Both teams have pushed through tough schedules to begin the season. The Fighting Illini have faced the 30th toughest slate, while the Cornhuskers have played the 95th. However, with no true road games, how tough has it truly been?

Keys to Succeess

A major key to success for Illinois starts with keeping Nebraska off the line. The Cornhuskers are already struggling to get there, ranking 281st in free throw rate. Illinois is sixth in free throw rate defense, which gives them a clear edge. They also need to win the rebounding battle. Illinois is top 50 on the glass on both ends, and limiting second chance points will be crucial, especially since Nebraska has already struggled in that area.

Despite Nebraska owning the 21st best defense in the country, I do not think they are ready for the fourth best offense in the nation. Oklahoma is the best offense Nebraska has seen, and the Sooners put up 99 points. Nebraska won 105 to 99, but that is still a massive number to allow. Illinois is top 35 in effective field goal percentage, turnover rate, rebounding, two point percentage, and free throw percentage. This Illinois offense should feast.

This is why I sprinted to the counter and took Illinois 8.5. I think the number continues to rise, and I would play it up to 10.5. If it pushes beyond that, wait and see if there is buy back on Nebraska to get a better spot.