Nebraska vs. Illinois Prediction: Week 10 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Nov. 6)

Our Nebraska vs. Illinois prediction for Week 10 includes our best bet, projected score, and the latest odds for Friday's matchup.
Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea passes as we make our best Nebraska vs. Illinois predictions
Pictured: Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea passes as we make our best Nebraska vs. Illinois predictions. Photo by Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
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A Big Ten clash between programs trending in opposite directions is the main narrative in my Nebraska vs. Illinois prediction.

Illinois has rattled off 3 straight wins, while the Cornhuskers have lost 3 consecutive matchups, held to 17 or fewer points during this slump. Nebraska remains a 4.5-point betting favorite on the road at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill., ahead of Friday night's 8 p.m. ET kickoff (FOX). 


Nebraska vs. Illinois picks & predictions

See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 10 based on the latest college football odds.

Pick Odds Bet size
Illinois +4.5  -108 via DraftKings 2.16 units to profit 2.00 units
Under 50.5  -115 via bet365 1.15 units to profit 1.00 unit

Picks submitted: Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Total wagered: 3.31 units | Profit if all picks win: 3.00 units

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Nebraska vs. Illinois prediction & best bet

Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.

Illinois +4.5 (-108 via DraftKings)

Illinois is being undervalued at home in this spot against Nebraska. The Fighting Illini have gone over 400 total yards of offense in 2 of their 3 wins on their current hot streak, while holding opponents without a passing touchdown in back-to-back games. 

Nebraska is going to try to lean on its defense to win this game. The Cornhuskers' offense has dried up, amassing 3 total touchdowns in its previous 2 matchups. QB Anthony Colandrea also threw 3 interceptions, which led to a 17-10 loss at home against Washington in Week 9.

This game comes down to whether or not Illinois can keep its run game going against a stout Nebraska run defense. The Fighting Illini have averaged 5.7 YPC in their last 2 wins, while the Cornhuskers have not allowed more than 3.4 YPC. 

Let's take the points with the home underdog in prime time. Illinois has a winning record at home and faces an offense struggling to finish drives.  

Go to DraftKings and bet on Illinois +4.5 at -108 odds. 

📡 SBR Edge: Remember, Remember, November

Nebraska has lost 5 of its last 6 games as a betting favorite in November, while Illinois has covered the spread in 8 of its last 9 November games as an underdog. 

Illinois extends winning streak with defense to upset Nebraska

Illinois QB Katin Houser will throw for over 200 yards for the fifth time in his last six starts in this game. The Cornhuskers' run defense will force Houser to make plays, which he's shown the ability to do against quality defensive units like Ohio State. 

Illinois' defense will be the difference-maker. Facing a struggling Nebraska offense, the Fighting Illini will limit Colandrea through the air, while forcing turnovers, seeking a fourth straight outing with a forced fumble. Illinois wins a low-scoring affair to improve to 4-2 in conference play. 

Play to: Illinois -2.5

Score prediction: Illinois 23, Nebraska 20


Live Nebraska vs. Illinois odds

See the latest odds movement and more on our Nebraska vs. Illinois matchup page.

Nebraska vs. Illinois opening odds

  • Moneyline: Nebraska -215 | Illinois +180
  • Spread: Nebraska -6.0 (-105) | Illinois +6.0 (-115)
  • Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-110) | Under 50.5 (-110)

Nebraska vs. Illinois weather

The forecast for Friday's opening kickoff at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign calls for 42 degrees °F with 8 mph wind and a 0% probability of precipitation. Mild and cool conditions that shouldn't affect this game in any significant capacity. 


Latest Nebraska vs. Illinois injuries

Nebraska:

  • RB Jamal Rule - Questionable
  • RB Isaiah Mozee - Out

Illinois:

  • None

How to watch Nebraska vs. Illinois: Week 10

  • Date: Friday, Nov. 6
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
  • Location: Gies Memorial Stadium (Champaign, Ill.)
  • TV/Streaming: Fox