Oregon vs. Illinois Prediction: Week 8 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Oct. 24)
My best Oregon vs. Illinois prediction focuses on how inconsistent quarterback play could doom Oregon. Dante Moore will miss this game, and while it looks like Dylan Raiola will start after his heroic effort in relief last week, neither he nor Brock Thomas has been very effective over the last two weeks.
Oregon is favored by 8.5 ahead of Saturday's 3 p.m. ET game at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. The game will air on the Big Ten Network.
Oregon vs. Illinois picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 8 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois +8.5 | -110 via bet365 | 2 units to profit 1.82 units |
| Under 50.5 | -113 via bet365 | 2 units to profit 1.77 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 22 at noon ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 4 units | Max profit: +3.59 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Oregon vs. Illinois prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Illinois +8.5 (-110 via bet365)
Without Moore, Oregon has remained competitive, but the offense has been a mess. Oregon nearly upset undefeated UCLA two weeks ago, but scored only 15 points, then needed 11 fourth-quarter points last week against Nebraska to escape with a 17-14 win.
Illinois is allowing the second-most passing yards per game in the Big Ten, giving up 248.3 per game. The defense is also allowing 8.4 yards per attempt, which is tied for the worst mark in the conference. However, despite Oregon averaging the third-most passing yards per game in the conference, the Ducks have managed fewer than 200 passing yards in back-to-back games, racking up only 113 last week.
📡 SBR Edge
Illinois' third-down defense ranks 17th in the Big Ten, allowing opponents to convert 44.74% of chances. However, this is a good matchup for the defense, as Oregon ranks 15th in third-down conversions and is just 4-for-29 over the last two weeks.
Illinois' well-balanced offense can keep pace in a low-scoring game
While Illinois is only 3-3, the offense is quietly averaging 31.8 points, 405.5 yards, and 254.7 passing yards per game. All of those stats rank in the top half of the Big Ten. Oregon's defense is allowing just 20.7 points per game, but the unit ranks 12th in the conference in passing yards allowed per game.
Illinois quarterback Katin Houser has thrown for at least 225 yards in four of his six games, including a 263-yard performance against Ohio State. While the loss of running back Ca'Lil Valentine hurts the Illinois rushing attack, Aidan Laughery rushed for 113 yards against Ohio State, and he's averaging 6.3 yards per carry this season.
Play to: Illinois +7.5
Score prediction: Oregon 21 Illinois 17
Live Oregon vs. Illinois odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Oregon vs. Illinois page.
Oregon vs. Illinois opening odds
- Moneyline: Oregon -470 | Illinois +360
- Spread: Oregon -12.5 (-110) | Illinois +12.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-110) | Under 50.5 (-110)
Oregon vs. Illinois weather
Weather won't impact this game. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s with no rain and slight winds gusting to just 12 mph.
Latest Oregon vs. Illinois injuries
- QB Dante Moore, Oregon - out
- WR Evan Stewart, Oregon - out
- RB Ca'Lil Valentine, Illinois - out
How to watch Oregon vs. Illinois: Week 8
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Gies Memorial Stadium (Champaign, Ill.)
- TV/Streaming: Big Ten Network
Related Articles
