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Our one bold prediction for Illinois football vs. Indiana

Journal Star sports editor Wes Huett makes his one bold prediction for Illinois football’s game vs. Indiana

BLOOMINGTON, IND. — The Illinois Fighting Illini open the Big Ten Conference season on the road with a with a primetime ranked matchup against the No. 17 Indiana Hoosiers.

Coach Bret Bielema and the No. 8 Illini (3-0) are coming off a 38-0 home win over Western Michigan and are among the contenders for the College Football Playoffs. Indiana (3-0), a CFP last season, has its eyes on a return trip to the 12-team field.

Here are the betting odds and a few predictions heading into the game:

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Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Sept. 11.

Moneyline: Illinois +195; Indiana -245Spread: Indiana by 6Over/under: 52.5 points

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Illinois vs Indiana predictions, picks for college football Week 4

How the Journal Star staff thinks the Illini will fare against Indiana:

Wes Huett, sports editor

Illinois 30, Indiana 27: This is strength on strength, with Illinois bringing in the No. 4 defense in the country vs. Indiana’s No. 7 offense. Like most ranked matchups, this will come down to opportunistic plays and turnovers — and I like the defensive-minded team in those situations.

Dave Eminian, sports reporter

Illinois 27, Indiana 23: Two ranked Big 10 teams square off in a conference opener. Illinois has the nation’s No. 4-ranked defense, while Indiana brings the No. 7 offense. Cal transfer QB Fernando Mendoza is new to the Indiana helm and has risen into 2026 NFL Draft conversations at the position, albeit much of his success against lesser competition. The Illini will attack with their three-back ground game and look for big plays from their defense. Illini are older, more experienced and have a seven-game win streak working. 

Adam Duvall, sports reporter

Illinois 35, Indiana 10: Defense will once again play a big factor in the Fighting Illini getting its first road win as a top-10 team in 35 years. Illinois is ranked fifth in the nation in scoring defense, giving up just 7.3 points a game. The Big Ten Conference all-purpose yard leader Hank Beatty helps set the tone with QB Luke Altmyer guiding an Illini offense that scores 45.0 points per game.