Illinois vs. Oregon prediction & betting tips - October 26
The No. 20-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini will visit the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Oct. 26 in a Big Ten matchup. The Fighting Illini are 6-1 and 3-1 in conference play. Their lone loss of the season came against the then-No. 9-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.
Meanwhile, the Ducks are 7-0, and 4-0 in their first season of Big Ten play. They appear poised to reach the College Football Playoffs for the first time since the inaugural season in 2014 as they have the best postseason odds in the nation.
Illinois vs. Oregon game details
Game: Illinois Fighting Illini at Oregon Ducks
Date and Time: Saturday, October 26, 3:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
Illinois vs. Oregon betting odds and spread
Illinois vs. Oregon key stats
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 29.6 points per game, which ranks 63rd out of 134 teams in the nation. They average 219.3 passing yards and 146.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 78th in passing offense and 81st in rushing offense. The Fighting Illini have allowed 18.1 ppg, which ranks 22nd in the nation, and 198.9 passing yards and 144.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 41st and 70th, respectively.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema is in his fourth season with the team and has led them to a 24-20 record. He previously had a five-year stint leading the Arkansas Razorbacks to a 29-34 mark preceded by a seven-year stint in which he coached the Wisconsin Badgers to a 68-24 record.
The Oregon Ducks are averaging 34.6 ppg, which ranks 27th in the nation. They rank 13th in passing offense and 70th in rushing offense, averaging 300.3 passing yards and 158.3 rushing yards per game. The Ducks have allowed 16.6 ppg, which ranks 14th, and 175.6 passing yards and 122.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 21st and 47th, respectively.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning is in his third season and has led the program to a 29-5 record. He is in his first head coaching gig, having previously served in various assistant roles with the Pittsburgh Panthers, Arizona State Sun Devils, Sam Houston State Bearkats, Alabama Crimson Tide, Memphis Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs.
Illinois vs. Oregon betting prediction
While the Oregon Ducks have played great football this season, they have just two wins that have come by at least 22 points. Both of those victories came against struggling opponents. Meanwhile, the Illinois Fighting Illini have suffered just one loss - against the undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions. They also have three wins against ranked opponents. While they likely won't get a fourth this weekend, look for them to lose by no more than three touchdowns.
Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini +21.5 (-115)