Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction, 11/1/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Location: Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL

TV: NBC

Odds/Point Spread: Fighting Illini (-12.0)

Total/Over-Under: 62.5

Memorial Stadium is the location where the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-3) will go up against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-4) on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Rutgers opens this game as 12.0-point dogs from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is set at 62.5.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights step onto the field holding a record of 4-4 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Scarlet Knights stepped onto the field against the Purdue Boilermakers and walked away with a win by a score of 27-24. In all, they tallied 75 plays which converted into 543 yds. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights ran the football 48 different times and compiled 184 yards, which earned them an average of 3.8 yds per carry. In the running game, the Scarlet Knights gave up 217 yds on 28 attempts, which is 7.8 yards per rush allowed. Rutgers surrendered 13 pass completions on 23 attempts for a total of 128 yds, and a completion rate of 56.5%.

Regarding putting the ball in the endzone, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are averaging 31.4 points per game. Offensively they average 139.5 yards rushing which has them sitting 91st in the country. The Scarlet Knights have earned 3,408 yards in total for this campaign. When it comes to getting the ball in the endzone, Rutgers has earned 14 passing touchdowns and 15 touchdowns via the ground. Rutgers has amassed 196 1st downs as an offense, and they have committed 35 penalties for 287 yards. They have given the ball to the opposition 7 times.

Regarding yards through the air, the Scarlet Knights are allowing 1,957 yards which puts them in 114th in Division 1. They are conceding 244.6 yards per game through the air as well as conceding a completion percentage of 66.2%. For the year, they have allowed 425.9 yards per game which ranks them 120th in Division 1. They have yielded 15 touchdowns through the air as well as 16 touchdowns via the ground game. They are allowing an average of 6.2 yards per attempt on the ground and 181.3 rushing yards per game on the season. For the season, they have allowed 1,450 rushing yards through 8 outings. The Scarlet Knights rank 111th in D-1 when it comes to their opponents scoring, allowing 30.6 PPG.

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The Fighting Illini head into this matchup 5-3 for this year. The last time they took the field, the Fighting Illini went home defeated by a final of 42-25 when they faced the Washington Huskies. Illinois relinquished 33 rushing attempts for 157 yards (4.8 yards per carry). The Fighting Illini pass defense allowed a completion percentage of 79.4%, surrendering 292 yards on 27 out of 34 passing. The Fighting Illini ended up finishing with 337 yds while running 63 plays (5.3 yards per play). Illinois rushed the ball for 4.8 yards per attempt, finishing with 138 yards on 29 carries.

When discussing the points being put on the board, the Fighting Illini sit 42nd in D-1 with an average of 32.9 points per contest. The Illinois Fighting Illini hold an average of 377.4 yards per outing, which has them ranked 77th in Division 1. The Illinois offense has racked up 354 yards of penalties on 42 infractions, which is 99th in the country in terms of giving up free yards. They have tossed 4 interceptions while losing 4 fumbles and they have recorded 166 1st downs. During this campaign to this point, the Fighting Illini have thrown for 2,050 yards through the air as well as holding an average of 256.3 throwing yards per outing, which has them ranked 41st in college football. They average 121.1 yards via the ground game and have toted the ball for 969 yards for this year.

The Fighting Illini are relinquishing 27.5 PPG, which puts them 90th in the nation. Illinois has yielded a total of 1,074 yards rushing (134.3 yards/game) and 11 touchdowns on the ground for the campaign. They have allowed the opposition 17 touchdowns through the air in addition to 246.5 yards per game, which has them ranked 109th in Division 1. The Fighting Illini defense has taken part in 531 plays, which ranks 90th in the nation. They have tallied 8 fumbles and 2 picks on the year. Overall, they have relinquished 220 points.

Who will win tonight's Scarlet Knights/Fighting Illini college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Fighting Illini -12.0

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