Data Skrive:
On Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET, the Central Michigan Chippewas (1-1) will take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0).
The Chippewas are expected to lose by at least two TDs (currently +21) versus the Fighting Illini (with an over/under of 50 points).
Below you can find our preview for this season, and find all of our predictions here, too!
Odds to Cover
Bet $20, Payout $38.18
Illinois -21 vs. Central Michigan
Illinois vs. Central Michigan Betting Odds
- Spread favorite: Fighting Illini (-21)
- Moneyline: Fighting Illini (-1639), Chippewas (+888)
- Total: 50 points
Illinois vs. Central Michigan Betting Stats and Info
The Fighting Illini’s record against the spread is only 1-0-0. Illinois has not played a game as the moneyline favorite. Central Michigan has yet to win a game against the spread so far this season (0-1-0). Central Michigan has not played a game as the underdog on the moneyline so far this season.
Illinois vs. Central Michigan Key Players
Illinois Fighting Illini
- Luke Altmyer threw for 1,883 yards last season (156.9 per game) while completing 64.8% of his passes (175-for-270), with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also carried the ball 94 times for 282 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 23.5 yards per game.
- Reggie Love III rushed for 567 yards on 116 attempts (47.3 yards per game) and scored four touchdowns a season ago.
- Last year Kaden Feagin rushed for 438 yards on 95 carries (36.5 yards per game), with two rushing touchdowns.
- Last season Isaiah Williams grabbed 82 passes for 1,055 yards (87.9 per game) and scored five touchdowns.
- Casey Washington’s stat line last year revealed 49 grabs for 670 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 55.8 yards per game.
- Pat Bryant caught 43 passes for 560 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 46.7 yards per game.
- Jer’Zhan Newton put together an impressive stat line of 7.5 sacks, eight TFL and 44 tackles last year.
- Dylan Rosiek’s 2023 campaign saw him total 81 tackles, six TFL, and one sack.
- Xavier Scott intercepted two passes while adding 59 tackles and three passes defended a season ago.
Central Michigan Chippewas
- Jase Bauer racked up 1,881 passing yards (156.8 per game) with a 56.8% completion percentage last year (163-for-287), throwing for 12 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He tacked on 366 rushing yards on 121 carries and 10 rushing TDs.
- Marion Lukes picked up 737 rushing yards (61.4 per game) and scored five touchdowns. He also added 29 catches for 300 yards.
- Last season Myles Bailey ran for 476 yards on 101 carries (39.7 yards per game), with three rushing touchdowns.
- Last season Tyson Davis reeled in 29 passes for 444 yards (37 per game) and four touchdowns.
- Jesse Prewitt III tacked on 438 yards on 31 grabs and four touchdowns. He was targeted 55 times, and averaged 36.5 receiving yards last season.
- Chris Parker caught 23 passes on 43 targets for 409 yards and three TDs.
- Jacques Bristol had a solid body of work a year ago, collecting four sacks, five TFL and 43 tackles.
- Over the course of his 2023 campaign, Trey Jones racked up 64 tackles, two TFL, and one interception.