Western Illinois is set to take on No. 12 Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium in one of the 11 matchups on tap tonight.
The Fighting Illini seem poised to put on a strong showing after their resurgent 2024 season, and the Leathernecks will likely have a tough time keeping up.
My Western Illinois vs. Illinois predictions illustrate where the value is ahead of kickoff.
Read on for my college football picks for Friday, August 29.
Western Illinois vs Illinois prediction
Western Illinois vs Illinois Best bet: Under 64.5 (-110)
The Illinois Fighting Illini are undoubtedly the better team in this matchup and have all the tools to put together another strong campaign. However, the Fighting Illini’s firepower might be overestimated ahead of this matchup.
Pat Bryant, who amassed 984 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns last season, is now in the NFL. So is Zakhari Franklin. There’s no clear, productive replacement for either of the pass catchers. Collin Dixon will need to demonstrate significant growth to become a reliable first option for Luke Altmyer.
Illinois averaged 28.3 points per game last season and only eclipsed 40 points twice in 13 games. The program is less dynamic on the outside in 2025. I won’t be surprised if the Fighting Illini struggle a bit early on before giving some reserves a chance to get some reps.
The Western Illinois Leathernecks can avoid complete embarrassment on the road against a lesser version of last year’s team.
Western Illinois vs Illinois same-game parlay
Under 64.5
Western Illinois +47.5
Kaden Feagin first touchdown scorer
Illinois still has questions, and covering 48 points might be a stretch as Illinois is likely to empty its bench early.
Kaden Feagin scampered for three TDs in 2024. He'll be the man in the Illinois backfield and should hit paydirt early.
Our deep-ball SGP: Go Big!
I've added some additional legs to the same-game parlay to make an exciting payday if this monster lands.
Illinois should stay under its team total as the Fighting Illini reserves see plenty of action.
With several new faces on Illinois' roster, I don't expect the first half to be high-scoring.
Western Illinois vs Illinois odds
- Western Illinois vs. Illinois spread: Illinois -47.5
- Western Illinois vs. Illinois moneyline: Western Illinois NA, Illinois NA
- Western Illinois vs. Illinois Over/Under: 47.5
Western Illinois vs Illinois betting trend to know
Illinois has hit the moneyline in 10 of its last 13 games. Find more college football betting trends for Western Illinois vs Illinois.
How to watch Western Illinois vs Illinois
| Location | Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL |
| Date | Friday, August 29-2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Western Illinois vs Illinois latest injuries
Western Illinois vs Illinois weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
