Illinois Football: Illini starting 2021 as long shot to win the Big Ten

Nov 21, 2020; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback quarterback Brandon Peters throws during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback quarterback Brandon Peters throws during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois football kicks off the Bret Bielema era in less than two weeks with a Saturday game against Nebraska.

Many fans in Illini Nation see the Orange and Blue as a much more competitive team under Bielema, but most outside of the fanbase don’t see it that way. In fact, the betting odds are not anywhere close to being in Illinois’ favor.

According to WynnBet, Ohio State is the favorite to win the Big Ten title in 2021 at -155. Bielema’s former team, Wisconsin, is the second-favorite at +400. Where does Illinois land among the potential Big Ten champs?

You have to go all the way down to the bottom of the list. Illinois has the worst odds to take home the conference title. The odds for the Illini to win the Big Ten currently stand at +50000. Maryland joins Illinois in a tie for the worst odds.

Is it a good bet to take the Illinois football program to win the Big Ten in 2021?

Honestly, it all depends on how much you want to lay down. If you are looking to put your life savings or even a mortgage payment on the Illini to win the Big Ten, I would advise against that. But a smaller bet wouldn’t be a crazy chance to take.

This would be a small risk, big reward type of bet. It wouldn’t be smart to throw a large sum of money on Illinois to win the Big Ten, but a $10 bet would be worth the risk. You only lose out on $10 if they don’t win the conference. But, if you throw that $10 bet down and Illinois magically wins the Big Ten, then you end up winning $5000.

In 2000, Illinois finished 5-6. The following year they won the Big Ten outright with a 10-2 record overall and a 7-1 conference record. It can happen for this program. In addition, the Illini have a ton of experience returning and a coaching staff that knows how to win. Risk the $10 if you have it. At the end of the day, who knows?