Eastern Illinois vs Illinois Prediction College Football Picks 8/29/24

In this article we will formulate an Eastern Illinois vs Illinois prediction for this College Football game on Thursday, August 29th at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this non-conference matchup. 

Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Preview

The Eastern Illinois Panthers went 8-3 (4-2) last season and they finished third in the OVC. Eastern Illinois started the 2023 season with a 27-0 win over Indiana State, but they lost to Bowling Green by a score of 38-15 in their second game. The Panthers were able to win the next three games in the season, but they lost to UT Martin and SE Missouri in back to back weeks. Eastern Illinois did defeat Bryant, Lindenwood, Tennessee State, and Robert Morris to close the regular season on a four game winning streak. 

Eastern Illinois has a bunch of starters returning on both sides of the ball and they will have a great chance at making the FCS playoffs this year. The Panthers return quarterback Pierce Holley and he will also have their leading receiver back for another season. The ground game wasn’t as strong as it could be, but the offensive line does return plenty of bodies. On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers will be just fine, but they did rank towards the bottom of the conference in sacks last year. 

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini went 5-7 (3-6) last year and they finished tied for fourth in the Big Ten West division with Nebraska, Purdue, and Minnesota. Illinois survived a scare against Toledo in their season opener, but they lost to Kansas and Penn State in the next two games. The Fighting Illini defeated FAU to get back to .500 on the season, but promptly lost the next two games. Illinois went 3-3 in their final six games of the season, as they picked up wins against Minnesota, Indiana, and Maryland. 

Illinois does return Luke Altmyer at quarterback, who dealt with some turnover issues, but also showed some promise last year. The Illinois leading rusher from last year transferred out and the top two receivers are gone, so the Fighting Illini will need some new faces to step up. The Illinois defense was great in 2022, but they were below average last season and lost two key players on the defensive line. 

Why Eastern Illinois Panthers will cover

• Illinois has lost three of its last four games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Illinois has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight games as a home favorite.
• The road team has covered the spread in nine of Illinois’ last 10 games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Illinois’ last five home games against non-FBS teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Illinois was one of only 22 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
• Illinois recorded the equal-most wins by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team last season (4).

Eastern Illinois vs Illinois Prediction 

Illinois comes into this matchup trying to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 season, but they will have to deal with a very good Eastern Illinois team. The Panthers return a ton of starters and they have to be one of the most experienced teams in the FCS. Illinois had turnover issues last year and their offense was not explosive enough to overcome a deficit. The Fighting Illini barely escaped an upset in their first game last year against Toledo and I think they are in for another battle here. I think the Eastern Illinois offense is going to find success in this game and I am taking them with the points here.