Penn State Nittany Lions Favored by -2.5 Point Spread Against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Sunday

The Illinois Fighting Illini hope to send their betting backers to the pay window on Sunday as they look to cover the point spread at Bryce Jordan Center against the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

The Illinois Fighting Illini opened as 2.5-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total was set to open a bit later (check out Sportsbook for the latest situation).

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Penn State Nittany Lions Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Illinois Fighting Illini will try to spoil to the party and cover the point spread on Sunday; they are 12-13-3 ATS against the betting line this season, while the Penn State Nittany Lions are 13-15-1 ATS. Illinois Fighting Illini are 13-14-1 on betting the total; Penn State Nittany Lions are 13-15-1.

The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Penn State Nittany Lions rated this week at No. 258 and the Illinois Fighting Illini sitting at No. 239.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up Penn State's No. 250 nationally ranked offense (64.87 points per game) against a Illinois Fighting Illini defense that sits as the No. 203 at 74.97 PPG. The Penn State Nittany Lions have been averaging 40.43% from the field, less than the Fighting Illini have managed so far this season (42.99% on average).

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Illinois was crushed on Thursday, getting blown out by Maryland and falling by a 81-55 score at Xfinity Center.

Brandon Taylor scored 17 points in a futile effort to lead the Nittany Lions to a win (they lost 71-61 to Northwestern at Bryce Jordan Center on Thursday).