Illinois (2-0) vs Central Michigan (1-1)
Game Info: Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Memorial Stadium)
Betting Odds: Illinois -18.5 / Central Michigan +18.5 --- Over/Under: 52.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: Peacock Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now!
In this article, we will formulate a Central Michigan vs Illinois prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 14th at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 3 matchup.
Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview
The Central Michigan Chippewas are 1-1 this year after they lost to FIU by a score of 52-16 last week. Central Michigan allowed the first 28 points in this game and they trailed 28-8 at halftime, but they only found the end zone one more time in the loss. The Chippewas outgained FIU by a total of 369-309, turned the ball over six times, and went 8-19 on third down in the game. Joe Labas threw for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Chris Parker caught three passes for 55 yards and one score.
Central Michigan defeated CCSU by a score of 66-10 in week one, but that momentum didn’t carry over into week two, as they played very poorly. The CMU offense has scored 41.5 points per game with 284 passing yards and 146 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 31 points per game this season. The Chippewas have gone 39.3% on third down and 4-7 on fourth down so far this season. Joe Labas has completed 60.3% of his passes for 493 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Solomon Davis has caught seven passes for 118 yards and two scores.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 2-0 this season after they defeated Kansas by a score of 23-17 in their last game. Illinois scored 10 late points in the second quarter to lead 13-10 at the half, but they trailed 17-13 in the fourth quarter, before scoring the last 10 points in the game for the win. The Fighting Illini were outgained by a total of 327-271, forced four turnovers, and went 6-15 on third down in the win. Luke Altmyer threw for 192 yards, while Kaden Feagin rushed for 40 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries.
Illinois defeated Eastern Illinois by a score of 45-0 in week one and they rolled to the easy victory. The Illinois offense has scored 31 points per game with 217 passing yards and 161.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 8.5 points per game this season. The Fighting Illini have gone 40% on third down and 1-1 on fourth down through two games. Luke Altmyer has completed 71.4% of his passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns, while Pat Bryant has caught eight passes for 133 yards and two scores.
Central Michigan vs Illinois Prediction
Illinois is coming off of a great victory over a solid Kansas team last week, but they have to be careful to not overlook Central Michigan here. The Chippewas should have a chip on their shoulder after being embarrassed by FIU last week, and we should see a much better effort in this game. The Illinois defense has really impressed me through two games and I think they are going to force a few turnovers here. Take Illinois to pull away in the second half for the big win.