Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/16/2024 2:30 PM EST

We have your Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Michigan State Spartans hit the road to face the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Michigan State Spartans +120 (ESPN BET) / Illinois Fighting Illini -135 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: -2.5 - Michigan State Spartans -105 (ESPN BET) / Illinois Fighting Illini -115 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 47.5 - Under -106 (BetRivers) / Over -108 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 11/16/2024
Time: 2:30 PM EST
Location: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
TV: FS1

Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Preview

The Michigan State Spartans are set to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in a crucial Big Ten matchup at Memorial Stadium. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, with the Spartans coming off a bye week following a heavy 47-10 defeat to Indiana, while the Illini are eager to recover from a 25-17 loss to Minnesota.

Michigan State, under head coach Jonathan Smith, has been grappling with a series of injuries that have impacted their performance this season. The Spartans have a 4-5 overall record and a 2-4 mark in Big Ten play, and they are in dire need of a win to keep their bowl game hopes alive. The return of sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles, who practiced fully after an injury against Indiana, is a positive sign for the Spartans. However, the team still faces uncertainty with several key players, including defensive back Dillon Tatum and cornerback Chance Rucker, who are likely out for the season. The Spartans' defense, which has struggled with a turnover margin of minus-9, will need to step up against a resilient Illinois offense.

On the other side, Illinois, led by head coach Bret Bielema, holds a 6-3 record and is looking to solidify their position in the Big Ten standings. The Illini have shown promise this season, with quarterback Luke Altmyer leading the charge. Altmyer threw for 226 yards and a touchdown in their last outing against Minnesota. The Illini's offense will aim to exploit Michigan State's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary, which has been plagued by injuries.

This matchup is pivotal for both teams, with Illinois seeking to reach nine wins for the first time since 2007, while Michigan State is fighting to keep their postseason dreams alive. The game promises to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams having much at stake as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini Moneyline

In this pivotal Big Ten matchup, the Illinois Fighting Illini are poised to capitalize on their home advantage against a Michigan State Spartans team grappling with significant challenges. Illinois, under the guidance of head coach Bret Bielema, boasts a solid 6-3 record and is eager to solidify their standing in the conference. The Illini have demonstrated resilience and capability throughout the season, with quarterback Luke Altmyer leading a competent offensive unit. Altmyer's recent performance against Minnesota, where he threw for 226 yards and a touchdown, underscores his ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, a critical factor given Michigan State's current defensive struggles.

The Spartans, on the other hand, are navigating a tumultuous season marked by injuries and inconsistency. Head coach Jonathan Smith's squad has a 4-5 record and is under pressure to secure a win to keep their bowl aspirations alive. However, the Spartans' defense has been porous, evidenced by their troubling turnover margin of minus-9, the worst in the Big Ten. The absence of key defensive players like Dillon Tatum and Chance Rucker further exacerbates their vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary, which Illinois is well-positioned to exploit.

Moreover, the Spartans' offensive unit, while bolstered by the return of quarterback Aidan Chiles, remains uncertain due to the lingering effects of injuries and a lack of cohesion. This contrasts with Illinois' more stable and effective offensive strategy, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season. Given these dynamics, the Illini's home-field advantage, and their superior record, Illinois is the more favorable pick to secure a victory in this contest. The Fighting Illini's pursuit of a nine-win season for the first time since 2007 adds an extra layer of motivation, making them a strong choice for the moneyline.

Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Top Player Prop Picks

Luke Altmyer Over 225.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (DraftKings)

Luke Altmyer has been a consistent performer for the Illinois Fighting Illini, and his recent outing against Minnesota, where he threw for 226 yards, highlights his capability to exploit defensive weaknesses. With Michigan State's defense struggling, particularly in the secondary due to injuries to key players like Dillon Tatum and Chance Rucker, Altmyer is well-positioned to surpass the 225.5 passing yards mark. The Spartans' defense has been porous, with a turnover margin of minus-9, the worst in the Big Ten, which further supports the likelihood of Altmyer having a productive day through the air.

Aidan Chiles Under 1.5 Passing Touchdowns +120 (BetRivers)

Aidan Chiles, the sophomore quarterback for Michigan State, is returning from an injury and faces a challenging task against a resilient Illinois defense. The Spartans have struggled offensively, and with Chiles still finding his rhythm post-injury, it is plausible that he will be limited in his ability to throw multiple touchdown passes. Illinois has shown defensive prowess, and with Michigan State's offensive inconsistencies, Chiles may find it difficult to reach the 1.5 passing touchdowns threshold, making the under a compelling pick.

Josh McCray Over 50.5 Rushing Yards -115 (DraftKings)

Josh McCray has been a key component of the Illinois rushing attack, and his performance against Minnesota, where he averaged 10.3 yards per carry, underscores his potential to have a significant impact on the ground. With Michigan State's defense dealing with numerous injuries and vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary, McCray is likely to find opportunities to exploit gaps and accumulate rushing yards. Given the Spartans' defensive struggles, McCray should be able to surpass the 50.5 rushing yards line, making this a strong prop bet.