The Illinois Fighting Illini (16-5) are set to host the Nebraska Cornhuskers (16-6) in a Big Ten showdown at the State Farm Center. With both teams on a 2-game winning streak, this matchup is poised to be a battle of momentum as they vie for conference supremacy. Can the Huskers — who took down No. 1 Purdue and No. 6 Wisconsin — finally get a road win? Let’s run through the Nebraska at Illinois predictions and picks below.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Info
- Moneyline: Nebraska +350 / Illinois -480 (BetRivers)
- Spread: Illinois -9.5 (FanDuel)
- Total: 154.5 / Over -105 / Under -115 (FanDuel)
Game Info
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 4
- Time: 06:30 PM ET
- Location: State Farm Center – Champaign, IL
- TV: BTN
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Trends
- On the road, Nebraska Cornhuskers are 1 and 5 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Nebraska Cornhuskers are 13 and 9.
- Against the spread on the road, Nebraska Cornhuskers are 2 and 5.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
- At home, Illinois Fighting Illini are 11 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Illinois Fighting Illini are 13 and 7.
- Against the spread at home, Illinois Fighting Illini are 7 and 6.
Nebraska at Illinois Predictions
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, coming off a significant comeback win against Wisconsin, are looking to carry that energy into their game against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Nebraska’s offense, led by Rienk Mast, has been potent from beyond the arc, ranking 28th in three-point field goals made. However, their road record of 1-5 suggests they face an uphill battle against an Illinois team that has been dominant at home with an 11-2 record.
Illinois, ranked 14th, boasts a high-powered offense that averages 82.3 points per game, good for 30th in the nation. Marcus Domask and Terrence Shannon Jr. have been instrumental in the Fighting Illini’s success, contributing significantly in points and assists. The team’s offensive efficiency will be critical as they face a Nebraska team that has shown resilience and the ability to score in bunches.
This game will likely hinge on the battle beyond the arc and which team can control the tempo. Nebraska’s three-point shooting against Illinois’s defensive strategy to limit perimeter scoring will be a key matchup. With both teams on winning streaks and fighting for position in the Big Ten, expect a competitive clash with potential implications for the NCAA Tournament seeding.
Nebraska at Illinois Picks
The over/under line for the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini game is set at 154.5, and the pick here is ‘Over.’
Both teams have been trending towards high-scoring games, with Nebraska going over in 9 of their last 10 games and Illinois going over in 8 of their last 10. The Fighting Illini’s offense is particularly potent, averaging 82.3 points per game, and they will be facing a Nebraska team that has shown the ability to score in high numbers, especially from the three-point line.
Historically, Illinois has had the upper hand in this matchup, winning the last 7 games against Nebraska. However, this season’s Nebraska team has demonstrated a significant improvement in their offensive capabilities, which could challenge Illinois’s defense.
Despite Nebraska’s poor road record, their recent performance against Wisconsin indicates they have the firepower to keep up with Illinois’s scoring. Considering the offensive trends of both teams and the stakes of the game in the Big Ten standings, expecting a high-scoring game that exceeds the over/under line seems justified.
The Pick: Over 154.5 (FanDuel)