Illinois at Indiana

Illinois is off to a great start in coach Bert Bielema's second season after improving three games to a 5-7 record in 2021. The Fighting Illini destroyed Wyoming, 38-6, with Tommy Devito completing 27 of 37 while passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns (no interceptions). The defense totally stifled Cowboys QB Andrew Peasley, who finished a miserable five of 20 for only 30 yards with an interception, and the Illinois offense racked up 260 rushing yards on 41 carries. The Illini now have a game under their belts as they face Indiana here, which lost its final eight games last year while averaging only 11 points per game in that span. The Hoosiers' star quarterback, Michael Penix, Jr., left to play for Washington, and the new starter won't be announced until game day, but Jack Tuttle and Missouri transfer Connor Bazelak are the leading contenders. Tuttle is in his fourth year and has been mostly a backup, and Bazelak has thrown for 2,548 yards with 16 TDs and 11 picks in three seasons. Illinois has gone UNDER in eight of its last 11 games, and Indiana returns only five offensive starters from a team that averaged just 17 points last year. Illinois has covered its last four road games, and Indiana is 0-5 ATS in its last five at home. The Illini are 15-6 UNDER in their last 21 September games and 11-5 UNDER overall after a win by at least 20 points. I think they'll continue to use the time-consuming running game. Take Illinois and the UNDER.