Illinois football vs. Penn State betting lines and picks

It has been an interesting ride in the first two games of the Illinois football season.

Now the Illini take on the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions in a battle in Champaign. This is the biggest test of the season for the Orange and Blue. If we fix a few things, I think there is a chance of an upset. But the odds say that Penn State is the big-time favorite.

Here are the Illinois football vs. Penn State betting lines and picks

1st Half Lines

• Spread – Illinois +8.5 vs. Penn State (Pick: Penn State -8.5)

Illinois has started the first two games this season extremely slow. We come out of the gates asleep, so this is a perfect chance to jump on this juicy line.

The Illini were down by five to Toledo and 21 to Kansas. Penn State is a better unit than both of those programs. Plus, the Nittany Lions like to run the ball, and Illinois’ rush defense hasn’t been great.

• Total – Over/Under 24.5 Points (Pick: Over 24.5 Points)

The Illini defense averages giving up 20 points per game in the first half this season. That bodes well for the over/under 24.5 points.

Penn State is also coming off a game against Delaware where they put up a 35-spot in the first half. This Nittany Lions team can run the ball well, and Illinois has been struggling in this department on defense. The only part that scares me about this line is that I am not sure how much Illinois is going to score. I am going to hesitantly take the over.

• Moneyline – Illinois +340, Penn State -440 (Pick: Penn State -440)

I believe Penn State will jump on Illinois early in this game. There will definitely be fight in the Illini, but with the slow start and Penn State’s nasty running attack, I have little doubt the Nittany Lions will be leading by halftime.

Game Lines

• Spread – Illinois +14.5 vs. Penn State (Pick: Illinois +14.5)

This is where things might get more interesting. Illinois isn’t a first half team, and they have shown that in the first two games this season. But the Illini make games close. Even in the Kansas contest, this wasn’t a competitive game, but Illinois managed to get it to within 11 points by the game’s end.

I could see Penn State leading 21-7 at halftime. But Illinois makes things interesting in the second half. I am going to go out on a limb and say I like the Illini and the points in this game.

• Total – Over/Under 48.0 points (Pick: Under 48.0 points)

Illinois’ defense will probably struggle in the first half with the Penn State running attack. In the second half, things might settle down a bit. The Illini have played a much better brand of football in the final 30 minutes of games.

Look for a halftime score of something like 21-7 to remain around that total for much of the second half. I see Penn State putting up another touchdown in the second half, but this margin is narrowing. I have the final score around 28-17 in favor of the Nittany Lions.

• Moneyline – Illinois +440, Penn State -600 (Pick: Penn State -600)

I sadly have to pick Penn State in this matchup. My heart says Illinois but my brain is going with the Nittany Lions. Penn State has too much running firepower, and this is one of Illinois’ weaknesses. Look for Penn State to gain a lead in the first half and hold on throughout the contest.