Free NCAAF Pick: Buckeyes vs. Fighting Illini Odds
Looking for Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free NCAA Week 7 picks & NCAA odds? NCAAF betting sees the Buckeyes taking on the Fighting Illini on 10/11 at Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL), in Illinois. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NCAA football matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NCAAF predictions like this Buckeyes Fighting Illini free pick.
2025 NCAAF Handicapping – Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini
(5-0) Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1)
Date: Oct 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL) in Illinois, IL
NCAAF Moneyline Odds: Buckeyes -641 | Fighting Illini +452 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NCAAF Spread Betting Odds: Buckeyes -14.5 | Fighting Illini +14.5
NCAAF Football Gambling Total: O/U: 50.5
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Buckeyes vs. Fighting Illini Gameday
The Ohio State Buckeyes hit the road for a high-stakes Big Ten showdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini. The game kicks off at noon from Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, and will be televised nationally on FOX.
Ohio State continues to roll at #1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. The Buckeyes boast an unblemished 5-0 record, fueled by an offense that looks unstoppable and a defense giving up next to nothing. Last week’s 42-3 dismantling of Minnesota was more of the same dominance we’ve come to expect.
Meanwhile, Illinois has quietly been one of the conference’s best stories. The Fighting Illini come in ranked 17th in both polls with a 5-1 record, including a convincing 43-27 win over Purdue last weekend. That victory showcased their offensive balance and resilience in key spots.
In conference play, Ohio State stands 2-0 while Illinois sits at 2-1, keeping this matchup loaded with Big Ten implications.
Expect a physical battle and playoff-level urgency from both sides.
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It’s Week 7 — Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini — and this one feels like a preview of things to come in the Big Ten title race.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds & Last 5
To start, the Buckeyes enter as strong favorites with a -664 moneyline and a 14.5-point spread. Illinois is listed at +473 on the moneyline with the same 14.5-point cushion.
Ohio State has been steamrolling everyone lately. They crushed Minnesota 42-3 in Week 6, just two weeks after shutting down Washington 24-6. Their margin of victory through five games? An eye-popping +143.
Illinois, however, has shown they can hang with anyone. They rolled over Purdue 43-27 and squeaked past USC 34-32 in a thriller. Despite that 63-10 drubbing by Indiana, this group has bounced back fast and looks ready to test the nation’s top team.
Given both teams’ offensive firepower, expect tempo, points, and maybe a few defensive fireworks too.
Fighting Illini Stats
Meanwhile, Illinois has been lighting up scoreboards this season. They’ve scored 222 points — 11th nationally — while ranking 14th in passing yards with 1,603. Their run game, sitting 74th with 791 yards, has done just enough to keep defenses honest.
Defensively, they’ve been opportunistic and disruptive. The Illini lead the FBS in fumble recoveries with eight and rank 10th in sacks at 14. Still, they’ve allowed 144 points, which places them 88th overall — a reminder that they can get caught in shootouts.
Recently, Illinois has caught fire. They’ve won two straight, toppling Purdue 43-27 and USC 34-32. The offense has found rhythm, and the defense has come through in key moments.
Lastly, quarterback Luke Altmyer remains the engine. He’s thrown for 1,573 yards and 12 touchdowns, both team highs. Running back Ca’Lil Valentine leads the ground attack with 323 yards, while Kaden Feagin isn’t far behind at 316.
Together, they’ve fueled an Illinois offense that’s suddenly looking dangerous.
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Buckeyes Stats
To begin, Ohio State’s offense has been humming like a machine. The Buckeyes have tallied 187 total points (26th nationally) and sit 36th in passing with 1,399 yards. Their rushing production continues to improve each week behind a deep backfield rotation.
Defensively, they’ve been a brick wall. Only 25 points allowed all season ranks them 4th in the country, and their 14 sacks tie them for 10th. Teams simply haven’t found ways to sustain drives against this unit.
Key contributors have led the charge. Freshman QB Julian Sayin has been spectacular, throwing for 1,313 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Jeremiah Smith has emerged as one of the nation’s top wideouts with 35 receptions and 463 yards.
Lastly, Ohio State’s confidence grows by the week. Five straight wins — capped by the 42-3 rout of Minnesota — have them looking like a playoff lock already.
Momentum is everything in October, and right now, the Buckeyes have all of it.
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Buckeyes vs. Fighting Illini QB Matchup
Luke Altmyer continues to lead Illinois with precision. Through six games, he’s thrown for 1,573 yards and 12 touchdowns without a single interception — elite decision-making under pressure.
Those numbers rank him 6th nationally in passing yards and 14th in touchdowns. When Altmyer gets comfortable early, Illinois can hang with anyone in the Big Ten.
On the opposite sideline, Julian Sayin keeps proving why Ohio State fans are so high on him. In five games, he’s thrown for 1,313 yards and 13 touchdowns, offset by just three interceptions. That’s efficiency most veterans would envy.
Sayin’s totals place him 35th in yards and 8th in touchdowns nationally. His calm pocket presence and accuracy make this Buckeyes offense a nightmare to defend.
If both quarterbacks bring their A-game, we might see fireworks from start to finish.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Football Betting Trends
- Ohio State is 25-2 straight up in their last 27 games as favorites.
- Ohio State is 4-0 against the spread in their last 4 games with totals of 50 or more.
- Ohio State is 14-8 against the spread in their last 22 games after a win.
- Additionally, Illinois is 4-0 against the spread in their last 4 home games.
- Illinois is 9-2 against the spread in their last 11 games after a win.
- Illinois is 3-0 on the over/under in their last 3 games as underdogs.
Buckeyes vs Fighting Illini Prediction: Over 50.5
Here is my Buckeyes Fighting Illini free pick. Ohio State’s offense continues to shine, ranking 26th in points scored this season. Because they’ve shown consistency in games with totals of 50 or higher, the Buckeyes have proven they can drive up the scoreboard. Their efficiency and balance on offense make the over look very achievable.
Meanwhile, Illinois brings plenty of firepower of their own, sitting 11th nationally in points scored. They’ve been excellent against the spread following wins and have cashed the over in their last three as underdogs. Moreover, their ability to move the ball on quality defenses suggests they won’t be intimidated by Ohio State’s athletic front.
With the total set at 50.5, both offenses have the tools to get this number over. Ohio State’s explosive playmakers and Illinois’s ability to finish drives should combine for steady scoring throughout.
Given both teams’ offensive rankings and current form, the Over 50.5 stands out as the sharp play.
Ultimately, this matchup lines up for points on both sides of the ball. Therefore, expect the Buckeyes and Illini to trade scores often enough to push this total well beyond the posted number.
Today’s NCAAF Free Pick
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NCAAF Betting Tweet Of The Day
Cinematic Recap — keep the Cannon. pic.twitter.com/kBCPD3D6s0
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) October 7, 2025
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