The Illinois Fighting Illini have high expectations for the 2023 season. Playing out of the Big Ten Conference is never an easy task, with plenty of solid teams waiting for them on the schedule. Let’s take a look at the NCAA: Illinois Fighting Illini 2023 Season Betting Guide.

Bret Bielema is starting to build a program the folks in Champaign can be proud of. The Illini had their first winning season in 11 years last year. 

Let’s see if the Illinois Fighting Illini have what it takes to back the betting odds to win the National Championship.

Illinois Fighting Illini 2023 Season Betting Guide | MyBookie College Betting Preview

Illinois Fighting Illini | Big Ten Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season
School: University of Illinois
Head coach: Bret Bielema | 3rd season
Home field: Memorial Stadium | Champaign, Illinois

Illinois Odds to Win Championship: +28000
Big Ten Conference Odds: +4700

Illinois Fighting Illini Upcoming Season

The Illini lost their quarterback Tommy DeVito but brought in Luke Altmyer from Ole Miss. The Illini’s biggest loss was their stud running back Chase Brown. Giving Brown the ball and getting out of his way was the best offense for the Orange and Blue a season ago. Reggie Love III and Josh McCray are both excepted to play a big part in replacing Brown this season.

Illinois brings three offensive linemen back to the team, and Isaiah Williams is still the top receiver on the team. The defense will have a new look as Ryan Walters went to Purdue. But, the saving grace for the Illini – their linebacking core appears to rank as one of the best in all of the country.

Win Total: 6.5

This looks like a schedule where the Illini should go OVER the 6.5 wins. But this is a program that has had issues winning games in the past. The games that look like they should be wins for Illinois include Toledo, Kansas, Florida Atlantic, Nebraska, Indiana, and Northwestern.

That’s six; finding a win or two on the road after that is something that will make or break the win total. Leaning the OVER 6.5 at -120 is the best move.

Illinois Over/Under Prediction: 6.5 | Bet Illinois Fighting Illini Regular Season Wins
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Season’s Wins

To Win Big Ten: +4700

Now, this is going to be a taller task. But, keep in mind, they don’t have to play Michigan or Ohio State or Michigan State. The winner of the Big Ten West just has to get there and then has one game against a team that likely had to battle in numerous games tougher to get there.

It’s not crazy to take a 47/1 odds bet if you are looking for some sneaky value.

Big Ten Conference Odds | Bet Illinois Fighting Illini to Win
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Conference

To Win National Title: +28000

This one seems out of the picture. Right? This doesn’t seem like a very good bet, regardless of how much Orange and Blue you bleed. 

National Championship Odds | Bet Illinois Fighting Illini to Win Championship
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Title

NCAAF Week 1: Illinois vs. Toledo -10.5

It’s never easy to start the season with a new roster and a bunch of guys trying to figure out how things work. Fortunately, it’s both for the Illini and the Toledo Rockets. Playing a MAC school right out of the shoot is a recipe for an interesting Week 1 game.

Look for the Illini to be well-prepared, though. They know they have to be on their best game to grab wins, and this is one they will be ready for. Toledo will hang a fight on them, but the Illini should win and cover this game.

Collgee Football Odds | Bet Illinois vs. Toledo
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

Bet College Football Lines
MyBookie Odds for the Games

College Football Betting Center

---

Updated NCAA Football Betting Odds | Online Betting