The Central Michigan Chippewas (1-1) face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0) on Saturday, September 14th. This game will be played at Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL) in Champaign and televised on PEAC. Illinois is coming off a win in their previous game, while Central Michigan is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Florida International. Kickoff is set for 12:00 ET.

Central Michigan Chippewas vs Illinois Fighting Illini

 

Central Michigan Offense Breakdown

Central Michigan’s offense, led by quarterback Joe Labas, put up 369 total yards in their 52-16 loss to Florida International. Labas threw for 151 yards, completing 20 of 39 passes (51.3%) and adding two touchdowns. However, he also threw five interceptions and ended the game with a passer rating of 38.46.

The Chippewas’ offense was able to pick up 22 first downs, with 179 rushing yards on 40 attempts. Myles Bailey led the ground game with 54 yards on eight carries. Chris Parker was the top receiver, with three catches for 55 yards.

Illinois Offense Breakdown

Illinois’ offense, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, put up 271 yards in their 23-17 win over Kansas. Altmyer completed 16 of 25 passes for 192 yards, with a passer rating of 87.42. His top target, Zakhari Franklin, recorded nine receptions for 99 yards.

The Illini struggled to establish the run, gaining just 79 rushing yards on 34 attempts. Kaden Feagin led the ground game with 40 yards on 16 carries and scored the team’s only rushing touchdown.

Central Michigan Team Defense

Central Michigan’s defense will be looking for a big improvement after allowing 52 points to Florida International. The Chippewas gave up 186 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground, while also surrendering 124 passing yards and two scores through the air. In total, they allowed 310 yards and 52 points.

Central Michigan Team Defense

Illinois’ defense will be looking to improve after giving up 186 rushing yards in their last game, although they did manage to hold Kansas to 17 points. The Illini’s defense also allowed 141 passing yards and three total interceptions. Overall, they surrendered 327 yards and 18 first downs to Kansas.

Central Michigan vs Illinois Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Central Michigan Chippewas have a straight up record of 2-8 while going 3-7 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 20 points per game in these contests.
• In their last five home games, Illinois has averaged 21 points per game while allowing 28. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
• The last three games that Central Michigan was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 0-3 straight up.
• Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Illinois Fighting Illini have a straight up record of 6-4. But, their mark vs the spread was just 3-7.

Chippewas vs Fighting Illini Prediction

Our projections have Illinois coming out on top by a score of 39-15 in their week three matchup against Central Michigan. The Illini are currently -20 point favorites, and we expect them to cover the spread.

With the over/under line set at 50.5 points, we see the over as the best play, as our model is projecting a combined 54 points.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.