After a thrilling win against the Kansas Jayhawks last weekend, the Fighting Illini (2-0) welcome the Chippewas of Central Michigan (1-1) to Champaign for a Saturday afternoon tilt. A win by the Fighting Illini would mark the 1st time since 2011 they start a season 3-0.
Luke Altmyer completed 16 of 25 passes for 192 yards against Kansas but the defense was the story as they forced 3 turnovers vs. the Jayhawks. The win by the Illini marked their first vs. a ranked non-Big Ten opponent for the since September 17, 2011, vs. then #22 Arizona State.
Meanwhile the Chippewas have waxed Central Connecticut 66-10 but been smacked by Florida International 52-16. Turnovers have been an issue for Central Michigan as the Chippewas have thrown 5 picks and lost 1 fumble.
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Game Details and How to watch Central Michigan vs. Illinois Saturday afternoon
· Date: Saturday, September 14th, 2024
· Time: 12 PM EST
· Site: Memorial Stadium
· City: Champaign, IL
· TV/Streaming: Peacock
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Latest Game odds for Central Michigan vs. Illinois
The latest odds as of Friday afternoon:
o Moneyline: Central Michigan (+900), Illinois (-1600)
o Spread: Fighting Illini -20.5
o Over/Under: 49.5 points
*odds courtesy of BetMGM
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) is expecting the Illini to cover the spread against Central Michigan Saturday:
“I’m going to go ahead and lay the 20 points with Illinois to cover against Central Michigan. Now this is a really big number, but Central Michigan was just torched in their last game against FIU, losing 52-16 while Illinois got the surprise victory – a surprise to us all - over Kansas last week. I think that’s a train worth backing here at home.”
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From the Trading Desk at BetMGM courtesy of John Ewing: Week 3 Highlights
Most bet games (tickets)
1. Alabama-Wisconsin
2. LSU-South Carolina
3. Missouri-Boston College
Most bet teams (tickets)
1. Alabama -16.5
2. Georgia -24.5
3. Boston College +16.5
Most bet teams (handle)
1. Alabama -16.5
2. Texas -35.5
3. Georgia -24.5
Quarterback matchup for Central Michigan vs. Illinois
o Chippewas: QB Joe Labas has thrown for 493 yards with 5 TDs but also 5 INTs through the Chippewas’ 1st 2 games.
o Fighting Illini: Luke Altmyer has thrown for 405 yards and 4 TDs through the season’s 1st 2 games for Illinois. His most impressive stat however may be the fact he has yet to throw an interception.
Chippewas vs. Fighting Illini player news & recent stats
- Last weekend’s sellout of the Memorial Coliseum was the Illini’s 1st since 2016.
- The Illini are +7 in the turnover department
- The Chippewas are -5 in the turnover department
- Illinois WR Zakhari Franklin caught 9 passes for 99 yards last week
- Illinois WR Pat Bryant caught 3 balls for 70 yards
- Central Michigan leads the MAC in fewest passing yards allowed (107.5yds/gm)
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