Illinois football betting odds, predictions, and game info against Mississippi State

Illinois football hasn’t played in over a month, and a lot has changed leading up to the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 2.

I have already transitioned into basketball mode, which is usual this time of year for an Illini fan. We aren’t traditionally still in football mode, as a bowl game is not something we are used to just yet. But Illinois still has a big bowl game against Mississippi State.

It is exciting to see the Orange and Blue play one more game before the season officially concludes. There have been some changes to the roster, though. These changes might adjust some of the betting mindset heading into the January 2 matchup.

Here are the Illinois football betting odds, predictions, and game info against Mississippi State.

Odds

Illinois football vs. Mississippi State – Spread

We are six days out from the start of the ReliaQuest Bowl, and Illinois and Mississippi State are essentially a pick’em. The Illini are getting a point right now at +1.

Advice

Mississippi State didn’t lose a ton to the transfer portal or to the NFL. Their starting quarterback, Will Rogers, is leading the charge in the bowl game. That scares me a little bit.

The Bulldogs also return their leading rusher in Jo’Quavious Marks. He shared the load with Dillon Johnson, who did hit the transfer portal, but Marks still led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.

Rogers did lose his top wide receiver Rara Thomas to the transfer portal, but he spread the ball out to various pass catchers. I wouldn’t put too much stock into the Thomas transfer. Nine different players had at least 20 catches for the Bulldogs in 2022.

With that being said, Mississippi State is returning some key players on offense. On top of that, most of the key players on defense are also playing in the bowl game. Gambling-wise, I like the Bulldogs and the spread.

Prediction – Mississippi State -1

Illinois football vs. Mississippi State – Moneyline

The moneyline is pretty close in this game. Illinois is at +100, so you’re getting even money, and Mississippi State is sitting at -120.

Advice

I mentioned in the spread section that Mississippi State is returning most of the offensive talent on the team, including their quarterback. That fact alone is making me nervous.

The icing on the cake is what Illinois has lost since the end of the 2022 regular season. Our defensive coordinator, Ryan Walters, is now the head coach at Purdue.

Illinois’ starting cornerback, Devon Witherspoon, has declared for the NFL Draft and won’t be playing. Our starting safety, Sydney Brown, has declared for the draft and won’t be playing.

The Illini lost two key defensive backs, and we don’t have a ton of depth in the secondary. Illinois is going up against a pass-heavy team that has most of their starters. That is a bad combination.

Running back Chase Brown, a nominee for the best running back in college football, has also declared for the NFL Draft and won’t play in the bowl game.

The result of the ReliaQuest Bowl is something Illinois fans should take with a grain of salt. We are missing some big-time talent, and that probably won’t bode well for the final score. I think you have to take Mississippi State and the moneyline and spread. Pound both of them.

Prediction – Mississippi State -120

Illinois football vs. Mississippi State – Over/Under

In my opinion, this is the only bet in question. The over/under of the Illinois and Mississippi State game is 46 points.

Advice

I fully believe Mississippi State is probably going to win this game, but I am not so sure the 46-point over/under is going to be covered.

The Bulldogs don’t have a bad defense. They only gave up 30 points to a Bryce Young-led Alabama team. They held Ole Miss to 22 points and Arkansas to 17 points. With most of the defensive talent playing, the Bulldogs could put up a good defensive fight.

Can Illinois stop Mississippi State’s offense, though? That is the big question.

Illinois’ secondary is going to struggle with some big pieces missing. I would hope the Illini bring extra guys against Rogers. We have a pretty good front seven that can cause chaos. We can’t let Rogers have a comfortable pocket or the game is going to be ugly.

I believe in new defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. I think he is really good at his job. I also believe Illinois can still lean on the run despite losing Brown. Reggie Love III and Josh McCray are both big-time running backs. This running ability should keep the ball out of Rogers’ hands.

With that being said, give me the under in this game. I think the score could end up something like 23-13 in favor of Mississippi State.

Prediction – Under 46 points

Illinois vs. Mississippi State – ReliaQuest Bowl Game Info

Date & Time: January 2 – 11:00 a.m. CT

TV: ESPN 2

Streaming: Fubo TV