Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview, Betting Lines

Illinois gets this and then a week off before hosting Kansas - it’s easing its way into the season. However, there’s plenty of work to do.

The Illini can’t just show up and assume this will be a walk in the park against an Eastern Illinois team that should be around the FCS Top 25 rankings for most of the season.

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Preview

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois How to Watch
Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024
Game Time: 9:00 pm ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
How to Watch: Big Ten Network
2023 Records: Illinois (5-7), Eastern Illinois (8-3)
- Week 1 Thursday Schedule, Predictions

Why Eastern Illinois Will Win

The Panthers have parts.

The led the FCS in turnover margin last year with a defense that forced 25 takeaways, and Illinois doesn’t have the type of team that can overcome a ton of mistakes.

On the other side, QB Pierce Holley and RB MJ Flowers form a good veteran punch in the backfield that won’t be fazed by dealing with a Big Ten defense.

Why Illinois Will Win

This is a tone-setting game.

The Illinois running game has to be better this year - the retooled offensive line will come out looking to pound away. The defense didn’t have the same nastiness or production as the 2022 version showed - the loaded linebacking corps will lead the way to an improved bunch.

For all of the good things about Eastern Illinois, the offensive line is about to be overrun. It struggled last year in pass protection, and the Illinois defensive front is about to eat.

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois: Who Will Win

This is just the second game Illinois has played against an FCS team since 2018. It won’t be a breather, but it’ll be a good test for a team that needs to reestablish its identity right away.

The Eastern Illinois offense will come up with a few points here and there to make Illinois keep trying, but there shouldn’t be too much drama.

The Illini defensive front will settle in after a few good EIU drives, and then it’ll start to become more about the offense tuning up and testing some things out.

Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Prediction, Betting Lines

Illinois 41, Eastern Illinois 13
Line: Illinois -27.5, o/u: 45.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Illinois vs Eastern Illinois Must See Rating: 1.5