- Matchup: Western Michigan Broncos vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
- Scheduled Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Venue: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
- Broadcast: FS1
- Betting Line: Fighting Illini favored by 28.0 points
- Over/Under Total: 52 points
The Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0) are set to face the Western Michigan Broncos (0-2) at Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025. The Broncos are entering this contest as 28.0-point underdogs according to sportsbooks, with a total points line set at 52.
The Western Michigan Broncos are coming off a disappointing start to the season, standing at 0-2. In their latest outing, they fell to the North Texas Mean Green, losing 33-30. Throughout the game, the Broncos ran 59 plays, accumulating a total of 255 yards. The rushing attack saw them carry the ball 47 times for 180 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt. Defensively, they allowed 173 rushing yards on 28 attempts, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. In the passing game, Western Michigan conceded 18 completions on 32 attempts, resulting in 224 yards and a completion percentage of 56.3%.
In terms of offensive production, the Broncos are averaging 18.0 points per game. They rank 113th in Division 1 with an average of 104.5 rushing yards per game. Overall, Western Michigan has garnered 472 total yards this season. When it comes to touchdowns, they have scored 1 through the air and 2 on the ground. The Broncos have also made 24 first downs, but have incurred 14 penalties amounting to 97 yards. They have turned the ball over once.
Defensively, Western Michigan is surrendering 379 passing yards, placing them at 59th in Division 1. They give up an average of 189.5 passing yards per game along with a completion percentage of 62.5%. The Broncos are allowing an average of 366.5 yards of total offense per game, ranking them 94th nationally. Opponents have thrown for 3 touchdowns and rushed for 4 touchdowns against them. The team is giving up an average of 4.9 rushing yards per carry and 177.0 rushing yards per game this season, having allowed a total of 354 rushing yards in their 2 games. They sit at 106th in Division 1 in terms of points allowed, conceding an average of 28.0 points per game.
The Fighting Illini head into this matchup with a perfect record of 2-0. In their most recent game, they secured a convincing victory against the Duke Blue Devils, finishing 45-19. Illinois posted 419 total yards, executing 73 plays at an average of 5.7 yards per play. Their rushing attack averaged 2.9 yards per carry, totaling 123 yards on 42 attempts. On defense, they allowed Duke to carry the ball 24 times for 82 yards, yielding an average of 3.4 yards per carry. In the pass game, Illinois allowed a completion rate of 64.1%, giving up 356 yards on 25 completions out of 39 attempts.
On the scoring front, the Fighting Illini are ranked 13th in Division 1, averaging an impressive 48.5 points per game. They accumulate an average of 429.5 yards per game, placing them at 46th in Division 1. The Illinois offense has encountered 12 penalties for 111 yards, ranking 58th nationally for mistakes. They have achieved 46 first downs thus far. So far this season, they have compiled 527 passing yards, averaging 263.5 passing yards per game, positioning them 37th in the country; their rushing game averages 166.0 yards per game, with a total of 332 rushing yards accumulated.
Illinois has only allowed 109 rushing yards (54.5 yards per game) and 0 rushing touchdowns this season. They have given up 2 passing touchdowns, averaging 245.0 passing yards against, which ranks them 104th in Division 1. The Fighting Illini defense has registered 5 fumbles and 1 interception this year, participating in 118 plays, placing them at 36th nationally. They are only allowing 11.0 points per game, ranking them 29th overall.
Who will emerge victorious in the Broncos vs. Fighting Illini matchup against the spread?
Tony’s Prediction: Bet on the Fighting Illini -28.0
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