Illinois vs. Minnesota odds, line: 2022 Week 7 college football picks, predictions from proven model
Big Ten foes square off on Saturday afternoon as No. 24 Illinois (5-1) plays Minnesota (4-1). This conference matchup will be filled with high intensity as these teams both own stout defenses. Illinois ranks first in the conference in scoring defense and second in total yards allowed (228). Meanwhile, Minnesota is second in scoring defense and first in total yards allowed (222). Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito (ankle) has been considered questionable all week but is reportedly going to play for the Illini.
Kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Champaign is set for noon ET. The Golden Gophers are 4.5-point favorites in the latest Illinois vs. Minnesota odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points is set at 39.5. Before making any Illinois vs. Minnesota picks, see what SportsLine’s advanced computer model has to say.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past six-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $3,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Illinois vs. Minnesota and just locked in its picks and CFB predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see its picks. Here are the college football odds and betting lines for Minnesota vs. Illinois:
- Minnesota vs. Illinois spread: Golden Gophers -4.5
- Minnesota vs. Illinois over-under: 39.5 points
- Minnesota vs. Illinois money line: Minnesota -210, Illinois +175
- MINN: Golden Gophers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings in Illinois
- ILL: Fighting Illini are 7-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record
- Minnesota vs. Illinois picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game | Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Why Illinois can cover
Illinois has been stellar on defense, forcing opponents into difficult situations. They are athletic and instinctive on all three levels of this unit. They are ranked first in the conference in scoring (8) and rushing yards allowed (67.2) but second in total yards allowed (228). Sophomore Jer’Zhan Newton is an anchor in the middle of the defensive line. Newton quickly dissects the play and gets into the backfield. He leads the team in total tackles (33) and tied for second in sacks (3).
Junior defensive back Devon Witherspoon has been incredible thus far. Witherspoon is a physical and energetic presence on the outside. He’s very aware of his matchups and owns the skills to consistently get his hand on the football. Witherspoon has secured 19 total tackles with a team-high 10 pass deflections. He’s swatted away at least two passes in four straight games.
Why Minnesota can cover
Minnesota owns a versatile and all-around aerial attack, led by senior quarterback Tanner Morgan. Morgan has shown the ability to push the ball downfield with impressive velocity on his throws. The Kentucky native owns good ball placement skills with a quick release. He’s completing 70% of his passes for 1,143 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns.
The Golden Gophers have three players who have recorded 200-plus yards receiving. Junior Michael Brown-Stephens is leading the way for this passing attack. He’s built a nice rapport with Morgan and owns good route-running skills. He’s leading the team in catches (15) and receiving yards (233) with 15.5 yards per reception. Senior tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford is a versatile playmaker. The Minnesota native has logged 14 receptions for 220 yards and one touchdown.
How to make Minnesota vs. Illinois picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, with the teams projected to combine for 40 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in more than 60% of simulations. Head to SportsLine to see the picks.
So who will win Illinois vs. Minnesota? And which side of the spread hits more than 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college football picks, and find out.
