Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction, 11/2/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024

Location: Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL

TV: FS1

Odds/Point Spread: Fighting Illini (+2.0)

Total/Over-Under: 45

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3) are hitting the road to Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 2, 2024 where they will compete against the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2). Illinois opens this game as 2.0-point dogs. The total comes in at 45.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers come into this matchup with a record of 5-3 for this year. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Golden Gophers played against the Maryland Terrapins and notched a win by a score of 48-23. The Minnesota Golden Gophers rushed the ball a total of 29 times and totaled 123 yards, which had them averaging 4.2 yards per carry. When the final whistle blew, they tallied 63 plays which converted into 443 yds. Minnesota relinquished 26 completions on 43 attempts for 323 yds, and a completion rate of 60.5%. In the running game, the Golden Gophers gave up 104 yds on 26 attempts, which is an average of 4.0 yds per run allowed.

The Golden Gophers currently have 2,675 yards in total for the year. In terms of scoring, Minnesota has compiled 13 touchdowns via the pass and 13 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the football 7 times. Minnesota has recorded 164 1st downs as an offense, and they have been hurt by 40 penalties for 307 yards. As a team they're maintaining an average of 108.0 yards on the ground which has them sitting 119th in the nation. Regarding getting in the endzone, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are averaging 27.9 PPG.

In terms of passing yards, the Golden Gophers have allowed 1,300 yards which ranks them 12th in D-1. They are allowing 162.5 yards per game through the air as well as conceding a completion percentage of 59.8%. Over the course of this year, they have given up 282.9 yards/game which ranks them 10th in the nation. They have yielded 5 touchdowns via the pass as well as 10 touchdowns on the ground. The opposition is running for 3.8 yards per attempt on the ground and 120.4 rushing yards per game on the year. Over the course of this year, they have given up 963 rushing yards through 8 games. The Golden Gophers rank 12th in D-1 in terms of their opponents scoring, conceding 16.8 points per game.

Get all of our College Football Picks Today

The Fighting Illini step onto the field holding a record of 6-2 for this season. When they last stepped on the gridiron, the Fighting Illini took a loss by a score of 38-9 against the Oregon Ducks. Illinois surrendered 39 rushing attempts for 229 yds (5.9 yards per carry). The Fighting Illini secondary gave up a completion percentage of 71.4%, relinquishing 298 yards on 20 for 28 through the air. The Fighting Illini finished the contest with a total of 293 yds while running 67 plays (4.4 yards per play). Illinois ran for 4.1 yds per carry, finishing with a total of 132 yards on 32 carries.

Regarding their scoring prowess, the Fighting Illini currently rank 78th in the nation with 27.0 points per contest. The Illinois Fighting Illini average 356.5 yards per contest, which ranks them 94th in the country. The Illinois offense has compiled 331 yds of penalties on 43 violations, which has them sitting 89th in D-1 in terms of helping out the other team. They have tossed 3 interceptions while conceding 5 fumbles and they have obtained 167 first downs. During the season thus far, the Fighting Illini have compiled 1,696 passing yards in addition to an average of 212.0 passing yards per game, putting them at 84th in the country. They have an average of 144.5 yards per game on the ground and have run for 1,156 yards for this year.

The Fighting Illini are relinquishing 20.6 points per game, ranking them 32nd in college football. Illinois has allowed a total of 1,238 yards on the ground (154.8 yards per game) in addition to 8 touchdowns via the rush for the season. In total, they have surrendered 165 pts. They have surrendered 11 touchdowns through the air and 211.3 yards/contest, ranking them 51st in D-1. The Fighting Illini defense has taken part in 509 plays, which is good for 58th in college football. Their defense has compiled 5 fumbles recovered and 9 interceptions on the campaign.

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

Josh's Pick: Take the Fighting Illini +2.0

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here