The Western Michigan Broncos take on the Illinois Fighting Illini in Champaign, Illinois. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 1.
Illinois is favored by 27.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -10000. The total is set at 50.5 points.
Here’s my Western Michigan vs. Illinois prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Western Michigan vs Illinois Prediction
- Western Michigan vs. Illinois Pick: Over 50.5 (-110, BetMGM)
My Illinois vs. Western Michigan best bet is on the Over. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Western Michigan vs Illinois Odds
| Western Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+27.5 -110 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | +2000 |
| Illinois Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-27.5 -110 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | -10000 |
- Western Michigan vs Illinois point spread: Illinois -27.5 (-110), Western Michigan +27.5 (-110)
- Western Michigan vs Illinois over/under: 50.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Western Michigan vs Illinois moneyline: Western Michigan +2000, Illinois -10000
Western Michigan vs Illinois Preview
This game activated one of our Action PRO Betting Systems, powered by Evan Abrams:
Large home favorites in non-conference matchups often create conditions for higher scoring than the market anticipates.
When the point spread is wide but the total is set low, it signals expectations of a dominant performance by one side while undervaluing their ability to score quickly and consistently.
Non-conference games can feature mismatches in talent and depth, leading to offensive surges and late scoring from backups against overmatched defenses.
This combination often pushes the total over despite conservative pregame projections.
This game feels like a perfect fit for this system.
After last week’s 45-19 slaughtering of Duke, the Illini rank 17th nationally in EPA per Play.
While there were preseason questions surrounding the skill-position room, it seems that the Illini have found some big-time pass-catchers, including Hank Beatty (13 catches on 14 targets for 236 yards) and Justin Bowick (Ball State transfer, seven receptions on nine targets for 73 yards).
As a result, the Illini rank 17th nationally in EPA per Pass, with Luke Altmyer ranking 12th among qualified quarterbacks in EPA per Dropback.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the Western Michigan defense has been decent against the pass through two games — losses to Michigan State (23-6) and North Texas (33-30).
That said, it also lost two stud defensive linemen from last year’s squad in the offseason, and the transfers have yet to fill the gaps. The Broncos rank 129th nationally in EPA per Rush allowed and 134th in Rush Success Rate allowed.
I have some questions regarding the Illini’s rush attack. Still, the offensive line is uber-experienced, and the running back room is deep (a three-headed attack led by Kaden Feagin, Ca’lil Valentine, and Aidan Laughery).
Plus, Altmyer is a menace when he’s not under pressure (81% completion, 10 YPA, six TDs, no INTs, two Big Time Throws, no Turnover Worthy Plays), and I highly doubt that Western Michigan’s front will get hands in his face.
The Western Michigan defense is undoubtedly overmatched in talent and depth.
While Western Michigan’s offense is likely dreadful, I have some hope it can punch in a score or two at some point in this game.
Quarterback Broc Lowry is a solid dual-threat runner, and Jalen Buckley is a good lead back. The Broncos managed 173 rushing yards on 28 attempts (6.2 YPC) en route to 30 points against the Mean Green last week, so maybe they figured something out.
I also hope that Bret Bielema calls off the dogs in the second half with Indiana on deck, allowing the Broncos some breathing room in garbage time.
Pick: Over 50.5 (-110, BetMGM)
