- Odds have set a 45.5-point spread in favor of Illinois over Western Illinois.
- 45.5 points is the largest set spread in Week 1 of college football.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Going into Week 1 of the college football season, the Illinois Fighting Illini have been tasked with the largest spread of the week against Western Illinois, which is set at 45.5 points.
This comes as online sportsbooks are expecting Luke Altmyer and the Illini to take a massive step forward this season after opening as the 12th ranked team in the country. Also, the fact that Western Illinois is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to FCS schools helps their case even more.
Western Illinois Vs. Illinois
- Moneyline: NOT OFFERED
- Spread: Illinois -45.5
- Total: 63.5
Can Illini Actually Cover 45.5 Points?
Absolutely, Illinois should run away with this one and have their starters resting by the time the fourth quarter comes around.
They have experience against large spreads on CFB sportsbooks against FCS teams as well. Last season, they opened against Eastern Illinois, where they were 28.5-point favorites and came out with a massive 45-0 victory to start the year.
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On the other side, Western Illinois is arguably the worst team in FCS football. Since 2022, they’ve had two winless seasons and have won just four games in the last three seasons.
Their matchup with Illinois will be their third matchup against a Big Ten team since 2022, and they’ve lost each of those first two games by 50+ points. Since 2022, they’ve lost nine games by 40+ points as well.
Given that this is basically a tune up game for the Illini, bettors wanting to wager on the highest set spread of the week can do so, trusting Illinois to cover.
Samuel decided to get into writing 6 years ago when he first started his college career at Florida State University. After declaring a major in Editing, Writing and Media, Samuel had found his passion for writing. During his free time, he could be found writing about, watching or playing sports.
