Week 8 CFB: Michigan Vs. Illinois Odds & Picks

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Post on Oct 19, 2024

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Week 8 CFB: Michigan vs. Illinois - Can the Fighting Illini Pull Off the Upset?

Week 8 of college football is here, and it's shaping up to be a wild one. One of the biggest matchups this weekend is the showdown between the No. 4 ranked Michigan Wolverines and the scrappy Illinois Fighting Illini. This game has all the makings of a classic, and it's got everyone wondering - can Illinois pull off the upset?

The Wolverines are coming off a dominant win over Penn State, and they're looking to continue their climb up the national rankings. They're a well-oiled machine with a suffocating defense and a powerful offense led by the dynamic duo of J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum. Michigan's got a serious swagger and a hunger for another College Football Playoff berth.

Meanwhile, the Illini are riding high after upsetting Minnesota. Their defense has been a force to be reckoned with all season, and they're hungry to prove they're more than just a one-hit wonder. Illinois is a team on the rise, and they're absolutely brimming with confidence.

So, who's gonna win? Let's dive into the odds and some picks:

The Odds

The Wolverines are heavily favored, as they should be. The line is currently sitting at around Michigan -16.5. This means that bettors have to lay 16.5 points with Michigan to win the game. The over/under for the game is set at 42.5 points.

The oddsmakers are giving Michigan a lot of respect, but let's not forget that Illinois has a knack for upsetting the odds. They're a feisty team with a lot of heart, and they're not afraid to punch above their weight class.

Our Pick

We're going to go against the grain here and say Illinois covers the spread. The Fighting Illini are playing with a ton of confidence right now, and they've proven that they can hang with anyone. They have a solid defense, and their offense is starting to find its rhythm.

While Michigan is the superior team on paper, we're thinking Illinois keeps this game closer than most people expect. We're also going to take the under on the total points, as we expect a low-scoring, hard-fought battle.

Keep an Eye on These Players

• J.J. McCarthy: The Wolverines' quarterback has been a revelation this year, and he's poised for a big game. He's got a strong arm, good mobility, and he's showing great leadership.
• Blake Corum: He's a workhorse running back who's a nightmare for opposing defenses. Corum can break tackles, find the end zone, and he's always a threat to go the distance.
• Tommy DeVito: The Illini quarterback has been playing lights-out, and he's leading the charge for their upset bid. He's a smart and accurate passer, and he's got the talent to take advantage of Michigan's defense.
• Jer'Zhan Newton: A force to be reckoned with, Newton is the Illini's defensive playmaker. He's got a knack for sniffing out the ball, and he's got the speed to make game-changing plays.

This is a classic underdog story in the making. Michigan is a powerhouse, but don't count out the Fighting Illini. This one's going to be a thriller, and it's one of those games that could shake up the entire College Football Playoff race. We can't wait to see what happens!