Alright, Illinois hasn't looked the best in the first three games of the season, especially in the loss to Duke in Week 4, but this team isn't a four-touchdown underdog to Ohio State-type bad.
Bobby Hauck's defense hasn't performed up to par so far this season, giving up and average of 21.3 points per game so far this season, with two of those three opponents being UAB and Southern Illinois. Against an Ohio State offense that won't be easy to stop, it makes sense that the Illini would be an underdog.
However, the Illinois offense, led by Katin Houser and the great play of Collin Dixon, should account for something. This is an offense averaging 39 points per game through three games this season, and the Buckeyes haven't looked like the dominant defense of the past.
Oddsmakers in Vegas don't have a lot of faith in Illinois winning this one, or even being close with the Buckeyes, making them a 27.5-point underdog to No. 7 Ohio State, and that feels just a little egregious.
Early odds for Illinois vs. No. 7 Ohio State in Week 4
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Illinois: +27.5 (-115)
- No. 7 Ohio State: -27.5 (105)
Moneyline
- Illinois: +1600
- No. 7 Ohio State: -4500
Total
- O/U: 52/5 (-115/-105)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.s
Illinois' offense deserves a little more credit than they are getting with these early odds
It is not necessarily a surprise that Illinois isn't favored in this matchup. Ohio State is coming in as the No. 7 team in the country, and even though they blew a massive lead to Texas in the fourth quarter, is still a force to be reckoned with, so being a big favorite is expected, but not a nearly four-touchdown favorite.
This feels a bit disrespectful to Illinois, or at least the Illinois offense, because while the Illini may not be the best team in the country, they are better than a four-touchdown underdog in conference play.
Katin Houser has really settled in as Illinois' star quarterback, easily taking over for Luke Altmyer, who ran this offense for the last two seasons. In three games, Houser has thrown for 758 yards, eight touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He has also been useful with his legs, running the ball 10 times for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Then you think about Collin Dixon, who arguably is having one of the best seasons for a wide receiver right now. Dixon jumped from 13th to sixth in the country in receiving yards this season with 367, just 33 behind Ohio State's star receiver Jeremiah Smith. Dixon took the national lead in touchdowns with two more against Southern Illinois, making that seven on the season.
The run game really got going against Southern Illinois as well, with both Aidan Laughery and Ca'Lil Valentine making great work of the touches they get. This Illinois offense is looking good, and while the Buckeyes are still a great defense, ranked No. 11 in the country, they aren't as dominant as they used to be after losing three players to the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
So, Illinois isn't the favorite, and that's not surprising, but what is surprising is the fact that they are such huge underdogs, and that is something head coach Bret Bielema will probably take note of this week.
Add us as a preferred source on Google