Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction, 11/6/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini

Date: Friday, November 6, 2026

Location: Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL

TV: FOX

Odds/Point Spread: Fighting Illini (+4.5)

Total/Over-Under: 49.5

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3) are hitting the road to Gies Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 6, 2026 where they will attempt to beat the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-3). Nebraska opens this contest as 4.5-point favorites from oddsmakers. The total comes in at 49.5.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers head into this matchup 5-3 for this season. In their last contest, the Cornhuskers played against the Washington Huskies and took a loss by a final of 17-10. Against the run, the Cornhuskers gave up 32 yards on 19 attempts, which averages out to 1.7 yards per run surrendered. Nebraska surrendered 26 completions on 43 tries for a total of 235 yds, and a completion rate of 60.5%. In all, they ran 74 plays which gave them a total of 387 yards. The Nebraska Cornhuskers ran the ball 29 different times and totaled 132 yds, which came out to an average of 4.6 yards per tote.

The Cornhuskers have attained 3,399 total yards for the year. When it comes to scoring, Nebraska has totaled 16 touchdowns via the pass and 17 rushing touchdowns. They have given the ball to the opposition 7 different times. Nebraska has 188 first downs as an offense, and they have been flagged for 64 penalties for 555 yards. As a team they average 186.6 yards in the run game ranking this team at 36th in the nation. When talking about scoring points, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have an average of 32.4 points per game.

The Cornhuskers are ranked 14th in Division 1 in terms of team defense, allowing 15.6 PPG. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 3.1 yards per rush and 91.1 yards on the ground per game this year. For the season, they have allowed 729 rushing yards through 8 games. Concerning yards via the pass, the Cornhuskers have given up 1,437 yds which has them sitting in 23rd in Division 1. They are conceding 179.6 yards per game via the pass as well as allowing a completion percentage of 54.8%. During the season, they have given up 270.8 yards/game which has them sitting 8th in the country. They have yielded 8 touchdowns via the pass and 3 touchdowns running the ball.

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The Fighting Illini step onto the field holding a record of 5-3 this season. The last time they took the gridiron, the Fighting Illini took home the win by a final score of 20-17 against the Maryland Terrapins. The Fighting Illini finished the contest with a total of 407 yds and they ran 65 plays (6.3 yds per play). Illinois ran the ball for 5.6 yards per carry, finishing the contest with 184 yards on 33 carries. Illinois surrendered 29 rushing attempts for 98 yards (3.4 yards per rush). The Fighting Illini pass defense allowed a completion percentage of 65.5%, surrendering 190 yds on 19 for 29 through the air.

The Illinois Fighting Illini have an average of 394.3 yards per contest, which is good for 62nd in the nation. The Illinois offense has accrued 279 penalty yds on 33 infractions, which has them sitting 134th in the country in terms of making mistakes. They average 164.3 yards per game on the ground and have run for 1,314 yards for the season. They have thrown 5 interceptions while conceding 1 fumbles and they have been able to earn 172 first downs. When discussing their ability to score points, the Fighting Illini rank 65th in the country averaging 29.0 points per game. For the year thus far, the Fighting Illini currently sit at 1,840 yards through the air as well as holding an average of 230.0 throwing yards per outing, which ranks 67th in Division 1.

Illinois has conceded a total of 1,039 rushing yards (129.9 yards per contest) as well as 11 touchdowns rushing on the year. They have allowed the opposition 12 touchdowns via the pass and 240.8 yards/outing, which has them ranked 108th in the nation. Overall, they have conceded 194 points. They have 3 fumbles recovered and 3 interceptions so far this season. The Fighting Illini defense has participated in 518 plays, which is good for 56th in D-1. The Fighting Illini are allowing 24.3 points per contest, which has them 66th in college football.

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

Tony's Pick: Take the Fighting Illini +4.5

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