Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction, 11/23/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

Location: SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ

TV: Peacock

Odds/Point Spread: Scarlet Knights (-1.0)

Total/Over-Under: 48

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-4) welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) at SHI Stadium on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Rutgers opens this game as 1.0-point favorites. The total is set at 48.

The Illinois Fighting Illini head into this matchup 7-3 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Fighting Illini played the Michigan State Spartans and notched a win by a score of 38-16. Overall, they had 63 plays which gave them a total of 369 yds. The Illinois Fighting Illini ended up rushing 31 different times and compiled 138 yards, which earned them an average of 4.5 yards per tote. Against the run, the Fighting Illini gave up 87 yds on 28 attempts, which is an average of 3.1 yards per rush surrendered. Illinois relinquished 23 pass completions on 40 tries for 256 yds, and a completion rate of 57.5%.

The Fighting Illini have tallied 3,573 yards in total for the season. In terms of getting the ball in the endzone, Illinois has earned 18 touchdowns through the air and 13 touchdowns via the ground. They have surrendered the football 10 times. Illinois has tallied 205 1st downs, and they have been called for 48 infractions for 364 yards. As a team they average 142.0 yards rushing giving them a rank of 89th in college football. Regarding putting points on the board, the Illinois Fighting Illini hold an average of 27.1 points per contest.

The Fighting Illini rank 32nd in the country regarding team defense, conceding 20.6 PPG. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 4.4 yards per rush and 147.3 rushing yards per game on the season. In total, they have allowed 1,473 rushing yards through 10 outings. Concerning passing yards, the Fighting Illini have conceded 2,159 yards which puts them in 61st in D-1. They have relinquished 215.9 yards per game via the pass in addition to allowing a completion percentage of 61.2%. During this campaign, they are allowing 363.2 yards per outing ranking them 63rd in college football. They have surrendered 14 touchdowns through the air in addition to 9 touchdowns pounding the rock.

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The Scarlet Knights come into this matchup with a record of 6-4 for this year. When they last stepped on the field, the Scarlet Knights walked away with a victory by a final of 31-17 against the Maryland Terrapins. The Scarlet Knights finished the game with a total of 370 yards while running 67 plays (5.5 yards per play). Rutgers ran for 3.6 yds per attempt, finishing with a total of 132 yards on 37 attempts. Rutgers surrendered 25 attempts on the ground for 122 yards (4.9 yds per carry). The Scarlet Knights passing defense allowed a completion rate of 56.1%, surrendering 335 yards on 32 for 57 passing.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are averaging 382.2 yards/game, which has them sitting 76th in Division 1. The Rutgers offense has racked up 346 penalty yards on 43 violations, which ranks 127th in D-1 in terms of helping out the other team. They have an average of 169.4 yards per game on the ground and have rushed for 1,694 yards for the season. They have given away 6 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 1 fumble and they have been able to earn 219 first downs. Regarding their ability to score points, the Scarlet Knights currently rank 86th in the country averaging 26.3 PPG. For the year so far, the Scarlet Knights have a total of 2,128 passing yards as well as holding an average of 212.8 passing yards per outing, which has them ranked 81st in the nation.

The Scarlet Knights are surrendering 23.4 PPG, which has them ranked 59th in D-1. Rutgers has surrendered a total of 1,484 yards rushing (148.4 yards per game) in addition to 19 touchdowns via the rush this season. This season, they have allowed 234 points in total. They have allowed 12 touchdowns via the pass as well as 241.0 yards/game, which has them in 99th in Division 1. The Scarlet Knights defense has participated in 651 plays, which is good for 50th in Division 1. They have 5 fumbles and 6 picks on the year.

Who will win tonight's Fighting Illini/Scarlet Knights college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Fighting Illini +1.0

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