Illinois Fighting Illini vs Mississippi State Bulldogs Point Spread Picks

Illinois had a six-game win streak before running into a tough part of the schedule and losing to Michigan State, Purdue and Michigan, but the Illini bounced back in a big way defeating Northwestern 41-3 in the regular-season finale. Illinois is #2 in the nation in total yards allowed, #6 in pass defense and #1 in scoring defense allowing just 12.2 points per game. Tommy DeVito has completed 69.9 percent for Illinois with 15 touchdown passes and only four interceptions along with five rushing TDs. Chase Brown opted out so Reggie Love will get most of the carries behind a formidable offensive line. Mississippi State has a new coach in Zach Arnett following Mike Leach's tragic death after the regular season. The Bulldogs split their final six games and struggled offensively against good defenses while losing 27-17 to Kentucky and 30-6 against Alabama. Will Rogers has thrown for 3,713 yards and 34 TDs with six picks for Mississippi State and that will be a good test for the Illinois secondary. The Bulldogs are just 1-4 ATS their past five neutral-site games and Illinois is 9-2-1 ATS versus teams with winning records and the Illini have covered 11 of 15 overall. Take Illinois as a Max Play.