Illinois football vs. Florida Atlantic first half and game betting lines

After a tough loss to Penn State, the Illinois football team welcomes the Florida Atlantic Owls on Saturday.

This is a much-needed game for the Illini, as we are now 1-2 on the season. Thankfully, Florida Atlantic is struggling, and this is an opportunity for a resurging Illinois defense to feast on an injured Owls offense.

Here are the Illinois football vs. Florida Atlantic first half and game betting lines

1st Half Lines

Spread – Illinois -7.5 (-105), Florida Atlantic +7.5 (-115)

• Pick – Illinois -7.5

Florida Atlantic tends to start slowly in games. They were down 34-0 at halftime against Clemson this past week. I think Illinois has a chance to finally get off to a fast start as well.

With the Owls’ bad pass defense, this is an opportunity for Luke Altmyer to get right after a four-interception game.

Over/Under – Over 24.5 points (+105), Under 24.5 points (-125)

• Pick – Under 24.5 points

Illinois’ defense should be able to hold their own against Florida Atlantic. They aren’t a good running team, and the Owls’ quarterback play is suspect, at best. Illinois can get to around 17-20 points in the first half, and I think Florida Atlantic is held to just three points. I like the under.

Moneyline – Illinois -375, Florida Atlantic +295

• Pick – Illinois -375

I don’t think Florida Atlantic is a very good team. Plus, their starting quarterback, Casey Thompson, is now out with an injury. The Owls failed to score a point against Clemson in the first half last week as well.

Game Lines

Spread – Illinois -14 (-112), Florida Atlantic +14 (-108)

• Pick – Illinois -14

The new starting quarterback for Florida Atlantic is Daniel Richardson. The Central Michigan transfer has troubles with accuracy and isn’t a great runner. In his final season in the MAC, he threw for 1,988 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He only completed 56.3% of his passes as well.

I think there are going to be plenty of opportunities for the Illinois defense to turn the ball over. This is going to give the Illini momentum. I think the margin of victory grows with these turnovers.

Over/Under – Over 48 points (-110), Under 48 points (-110)

• Pick – Under 48 points

Now this is a tricky over/under. The Florida Atlantic and Clemson game scored 62 points. The Tigers’ offensive is a little better, though. With the Owls having a backup quarterback in the game, I think they struggle more against Illinois. Will the Illini score enough to get us over the 48 points, though? My guess is Illinois puts up 35 points and Florida Atlantic ends with something around 10 points. It is going to be a close over/under.

Moneyline – Illinois -625, Florida Atlantic +455

• Pick – Illinois -625

After a tough Penn State loss, Illinois needed a get-right game. I think Florida Atlantic is going to be the victim. The Illini should be able to come out and shut down the Owls offense. If we can get the defense that was on the field against the Nittany Lions, then there is no doubt this is a victory.