Illinois vs Central Michigan Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Well that was interesting.

Illinois has had its moments in just over two seasons under Bret Bielema, but the 23-17 win over Kansas was something different. There were no expectations, KU was supposed to be the fun team about to make some noise, and instead the Illini pulled out a terrific win over a ranked team that sort of went unnoticed.

Trips to Nebraska and Penn State are next, so this Central Michigan game matters.

It’s been a tale of two seasons in just just two weeks. The Chippewas destroyed Central Connecticut State in the opener, and failed to show up in a 52-16 loss to FIU last week. But …

Illinois vs Central Michigan Preview

Illinois vs Central Michigan How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
How to Watch: Peacock
Illinois (2-0), Central Michigan (1-1)
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CFN Week 3 Rankings 1-134
Bowl Projections | Heisman Rankings

Why Central Michigan Will Win

Here’s one of the bigger sandwich games of the week.

Again, Illinois took out Kansas, and then come the Big Ten showdowns to follow. Central Michigan might have stunk it up against FIU, but this team has parts.

Star QB - at least star QB prospect - Bert Emmanuel Jr. hasn’t been able to go, but the passing game has still been able to crank out midrange yards. It has to keep the chains moving, the Chippewa pass rush has to push through a leaky Illini line, and …

Why Illinois Will Win

Illinois is about to run all over Central Michigan.

The Illini offensive front might be giving up too many sacks, but this is the time to right the ship. It’s a Bret Bielema team. It’s going to be physical.

The ground attack was great in the blowout win over Eastern Illinois, but had a nasty time getting anything going against Kansas.

So far, though, Central Michigan hasn’t been able to hold up well against the run, and that was against two mediocre ground attacks.

It’ll also help Illinois that …

Illinois vs Central Michigan: Who Will Win

Six turnovers. That’s how many Central Michigan gave away in the loss to FIU, with five interceptions turning the game into a rout.

Illinois hasn’t been perfect defensively, but four takeaways against EIU, four more against KU, just one giveaway so far. It’ll be at least +2 in turnover margin.

Illinois vs Central Michigan Prediction, Betting Lines

Illinois 37, Central Michigan 13
Line: Illinois -19.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Illinois vs Central Michigan Must See Rating: 2