Northwestern Wildcats (6-5) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-6)
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 11/25/23 – As we approach this riveting Week 13 clash in NCAAF, the Northwestern Wildcats, standing at 6-5, prepare to face the Illinois Fighting Illini, who are just behind with a 5-6 record. This game, set for Saturday, November 25, 2023, is drawing significant attention from handicapper reviews and fans alike, given the close win-loss standings of both teams. The stage is set at the Memorial Stadium, promising an afternoon of competitive football starting at 3:30 PM ET, with live broadcast on BTN. This matchup not only has playoff implications but also offers a wealth of insights for bettors and enthusiasts.
Northwestern Wildcats, who currently boast a modest yet promising record, owe much of their success to players such as Cam Porter and Bryce Kirtz. Porter has amassed 549 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season as the star running back, constantly showing his agility by breaking tackles with ease and being an ever present threat in the backfield. Bryce Kirtz has played an instrumental role in stretching defenses thanks to his 14.7 average yard per reception ratio and four receiving touchdowns; showing why Northwestern relies heavily on him when planning its offensive schemes.
Illinois Fighting Illini have also enjoyed success despite their inconsistent record. Reggie Love III, a dynamic running back who has amassed 461 yards rushing and four touchdowns since joining Illinois has been instrumental. Wide receiver Isaiah Williams is another key member of their offense with 76 receptions totalling 998 yards; this reliable target has demonstrated his playmaking abilities to create significant gaps for Illinois’ passing game.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 11/25/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | BTN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ben Bryant QB vs. Luke Altmyer QB
Bryant has put together a solid season for the Wildcats, completing 59.7% of his passes for 1,351 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions. He excels at getting the ball out quickly and has done well avoiding sacks. Bryant doesn’t have elite arm strength but makes good decisions and spreads the ball around effectively. His recent uptick in production has sparked Northwestern’s five wins in six games.
Meanwhile, Altmyer has shown flashes of promise in his first year starting for Illinois but has been prone to mistakes. He has a slightly higher completion rate at 64.8% but also has 10 interceptions to just 13 touchdown passes. Altmyer prefers pushing the ball downfield more than Bryant but has struggled with accuracy. He will need to improve his decision-making against a Northwestern defense allowing the fourth fewest passing yards per game in the Big Ten.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Illinois Fighting Illini -220, Total Odds: 47
The betting odds lean towards Illinois as the favorite, with a spread of -6 and a moneyline of -220. The total for the game is set at 47 points, indicating expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair. These odds reflect the perceived strengths of Illinois’s overall gameplay against Northwestern’s balanced approach.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends
The Wildcats have been extremely reliable for bettors lately, covering the spread in each of their past five contests. They are also 5-2 against the spread (ATS) in their previous seven meetings with Illinois. Northwestern has gone Under in five of its last six overall. The Under has hit in seven of the Wildcats’ last nine road matchups as well.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
The Illini have trended in the opposite direction, failing to cover in three straight games and in eight of their last nine at Memorial Stadium. Illinois is just 1-7 ATS during its past eight home contests against Northwestern. However, the Over has hit in nine of the Illini’s last 13 head-to-head meetings with the Wildcats. The Over is also 4-1 in Illinois’ previous five home matchups versus Northwestern.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 11/25/23 Betting Picks
Considering the comprehensive analysis and betting trends, this game appears to be a tightly contested affair. Northwestern’s solid ATS record and defensive prowess, matched against Illinois’s home spread struggles and offensive capabilities, make for an intriguing matchup. The key will lie in quarterback performance and which defense can better contain their counterpart.
In terms of betting picks, Northwestern’s resilience and ability to cover spreads, coupled with Illinois’s inconsistency at home, make the Wildcats an attractive pick. However, Illinois’s offensive firepower, especially in high-scoring encounters with Northwestern, should not be underestimated. Therefore, a cautious approach would favor Northwestern with the points. For prop bets and over/under, considering the trends, leaning slightly towards the under might be prudent given both teams’ recent performances. Best NCAAF picks for this rivalry matchup are Northwestern +6 and the Under 47.
Free Pick and Prediction: Illinois Fighting Illini 25, Northwestern Wildcats 20