Illinois Football spread continues to grow over Western Michigan

The Illinois Football program asserted itself in Week two, after steamrolling Duke 45–19 in Durham. They successfully extended its current winning streak to six games, dating back to Week 10 of the 2024 season. The big victory pushed the Fighting Illini into the top ten of the AP Poll, now up to No. 9 heading into Week 3 of their high-stakes 2025 season. With momentum firmly on their side, Bret Bielema’s crew now turns Illinois’ attention to their next challenge…. which, many are expecting, won’t be much of a challenge at all.

Now up for the Illini is a home date with Western Michigan, and oddsmakers aren’t expecting much of a barn burner. Illinois opened as a 28.5-point favorite according to FanDuel, before the line shifted slightly to 27.5 on several outlets, such as ESPN.

Certainly, very favorable odds for the Illini, but the circumstances call for it.

With a sold-out crowd of 60,000+ expected to be on hand, Memorial Stadium will be rocking for a 6 p.m. kickoff under the lights, and the 0–2 Broncos — coming off a loss to North Texas — will definitely have their hands full against a hyped Illinois team. With stars like senior QB Luke Altmyer and All-American edge rusher Gabe Jacas leading the charge, the Illini’s depth of veteran leaders littered throughout their roster, paired with a rocking home field, should undoubtedly give Illinois Football a major edge over Lance Taylor’s struggling Broncos, who are still looking for their first win of the season.

Seemingly, Saturday’s contest may shape up as less of a test and more of a “get healthy and get right” game for the Illini. After this, Illinois travels to Bloomington, IN, to face Curt Cignetti’s 22nd-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.

Credit: ESPN.

How to Watch/Listen – Illinois Football vs Western Michigan

Illinois Football will kick off against Western Michigan on Saturday (9/13) at 6 PM CST at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

WATCH: Additionally, you can watch the game on Fox Sports 1 or stream on FUBO

 LISTEN: Tune into the Fighting Illini Sports Network on your local station at 6 PM CST.

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