Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick & Prediction for 11/1

College Football Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will travel to Champaign, IL, to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 10 of the 2025 regular season. The game is set for Saturday, November 1, at 12:00 PM at Memorial Stadium. Fans can catch the action on NBC as these two Big Ten teams battle it out on the field.

Rutgers comes into this game with a 4-4 overall record and a 1-4 mark in conference play. Their last game saw them in a close postseason battle, falling to Kansas State in the Rate Bowl. Illinois, with a 5-3 record and a 2-3 conference standing, is playing at home where they have been strong this season, holding a 3-1 record. Last postseason, Illinois secured a win against South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Rutgers Team Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have had a challenging season. They recently won against the Purdue Boilermakers 27-24. This victory broke a streak of three losses in previous games.

In their recent games, the Scarlet Knights have shown strength in passing. Athan Kaliakmanis, their top quarterback, has delivered over 2,200 passing yards this season. The team ranks 12th in passing yards, showing their focus on aerial plays.

Injuries have been a major concern for Rutgers this season. Key players like CJ Campbell Jr. and Moses Walker are out for the season. Several others, including Ian Strong and Michael Thomas III, are questionable for upcoming games.

Rutgers vs Illinois Game Day Info

  • Sport: NCAA Football
  • Teams: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
  • Venue: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
  • Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Rutgers Moneyline +364, Illinois Moneyline -480, Rutgers Spread +12.5 (-112), Illinois Spread -12.5 (-109), Total Over 62.5 (-107), Total Under 62.5 (-113)

Illinois Team Preview

Illinois Fighting Illini have had a mixed season so far. They played against Washington Huskies recently and lost 42-25. In that game, they had 199 passing yards and 138 rushing yards. The team struggled with two interceptions, which might have affected their performance.

At home against Ohio State Buckeyes, Illinois lost 34-16. They had more first downs and passing yards than Ohio State but couldn’t convert them into a win. Their rushing game was limited to just 47 yards, which might have been a factor in the loss.

Injuries are a concern for Illinois. Players like Luke Zardzin and Tomiwa Durojaiye are questionable for the next game. Several players, including Grant Smith and JJ Hirdes, are out for the season, which could impact their depth moving forward.

BTB Betting Pick

For the spread, pick Rutgers to cover +12.5 points. Illinois has a slight edge in points for and against, but Rutgers ranks higher in passing yards and first downs. The projected score is Illinois 28, Rutgers 20, which suggests Rutgers can stay within the spread.

For the over/under, take the under at 62.5 points. Both teams have defenses that can limit scoring, with Illinois allowing 220 points and Rutgers 245 points this season. The projected total score is 48 points, below the set line.