Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 11/23/24

It will be a battle for bowl positioning in the Big Ten when the Illinois Fighting Illini and Rutgers Scarlet Knights collide in a classic noon kickoff on Saturday at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have bounced back impressively from a 4-game losing streak, winning 2 in a row to become bowl eligible. Head coach Greg Schiano’s squad took care of Minnesota 26-19 and then hammered Maryland 31-17 this past weekend. Rutgers has already tied its most conference wins since 2014, so it’s safe to say that Schiano’s second stint at the school is going in the right direction. Running back Kyle Monangai has racked up 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns and the Scarlet Knights have turned the ball over a mere 7 times this season (eighth fewest in the nation). Rutgers is also a decent 59th in scoring defense (23.4 points per game allowed), so this is a well-balanced outfit.

Illinois has been going a bit in the other direction. The Fighting Illini have lost 2 of their last 3 and 3 of their last 6 following a 4-0 start. They are 1-2 in true road games, with its only win coming over Nebraska in overtime. Linebacker Dylan Rosiek, who is the team’s second-leading tackler, is questionable for Saturday. All things considered, give me the home team to win outright.

Illinois vs Rutgers prediction: Rutgers ML (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Illinois vs Rutgers predictions.