The Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Illinois State Redbirds in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 12 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
Iowa enters this Week 1 contest as a 22.5-point favorite on the spread, while the total sits at 41.
Let's dive into my Iowa vs Illinois State prediction for Saturday's Week 1 college football matchup below.
Illinois State vs Iowa Prediction
- Illinois State vs. Iowa Pick: Under 41
My Illinois State vs. Iowa best bet is under the total with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Illinois State vs Iowa Odds
| Illinois State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+23.5 -110 | 40.5 -110o / -110u | +1600 |
| Iowa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-23.5 -110 | 40.5 -110o / -110u | -4500 |
- Illinois State vs Iowa Point Spread: Illinois State +23.5 (-110) · Iowa -23.5 (-110)
- Illinois State vs Iowa Total: Over/Under 40.5
- Illinois State vs Iowa Moneyline: Illinois State +1600 · Iowa -4500
Illinois State vs Iowa Preview
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview: Close, But No Cigar
It was almost a special season for Illinois State last year.
Well…kind of.
The Redbirds finished with a 6-5 record last year, missing the FCS playoffs. But it was close to being a much more successful season.
Four of Illinois State's five losses last year were by a combined eight points, including an impressive one-point loss to an always-dominant North Dakota State program. Their only blowout loss of the season came to eventual FCS national champ South Dakota State, which ended with a 40-21 score.
Illinois State enters this year ranked in the FCS top 25 by most publications, and given the pieces they return — plus some positive incoming transfers — there's reason to believe this could be a close game.
It'll be a new quarterback for the Redbirds under center after the departure of Zack Annexstad. In his place, is either his primary backup last season — Tommy Rittenhouse — or Kansas State transfer Jake Rubley.
Rubleu was a four-star recruit and is more of a pocket passer, while Rittenhouse is a dual threat who threw for three touchdowns last season.
The Redbirds were great on the ground last year, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. They return their running back Mason King, who notched 14 touchdowns last season, along with three offensive linemen.
But it's not just offense where Illinois State has some talent returning. Nine of their 11 starters on defense are back, including all of their top seven tacklers from last season.
Linebacker Amir Abdullah is the name to watch, and he's coming off a season that ended with 64 tackles, 9.5 sacks and All-Conference honors.
Middle linebacker Tye Niekamp was the Freshman of the Year in the MVFC, and alongside Abdullah, they'll form a linebacker duo that's good enough to start at most FBS programs.
With all the positives that Illinois State returns, this game will be an opportunity to tell football fans at all levels that this year will be different than last. It'll be easier said than done, but their defense is complete enough to make things interesting.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview: No coach, No Problem?
When the Hawkeyes take the field for the first time in the 2024 season, they will be without their longtime head coach, Kirk Ferentz. Thanks to a self-imposed suspension for a recruiting violation, this will be the first Hawkeye football game not coached by Ferentz or his predecessor, Hayden Dry, since 1978.
Without Ferentz, the Hawkeyes should still be well-organized. They return a whopping 19 starters — nine on offense, eight on defense and two on special teams — which ranks atop the Big Ten regarding returning production.
The story for Iowa football is always defense, and that will be no different this season. This program led the country in yards per play allowed over the past two seasons.
Linebacker Nick Jackson is one of the best in the country, and his 455 career tackles are the top mark among all returning NCAA players. Sebastian Castro and Jay Higgins, who received All-American honors in 2023, also return.
On offense, the only major question mark is Cade McNamara. The Michigan transfer (and the reason for Ferentz's self-imposed suspension) missed the end of last season after suffering a devastating injury. Early reports from camp show that McNamara does not look like his old self, but that may just be from battling the incredible Iowa defense daily.
Aiding McNamara will be one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country. Overall, returning offensive linemen for the Hawkeyes have combined for 165 career starts.
Without Ferentz, it is fair to wonder what the Iowa offense will look like even with all the returnees. Conservative game plans are always the model, but until Ferentz returns, we will likely see an exaggerated version on Saturday.
Illinois State vs Iowa Pick & Prediction
Both sides are so solid defensively that fans and bettors alike are in store for an ugly Iowa game on steroids.
Both quarterbacks carry serious question marks. Until McNamara gets a game or two under him (and Ferentz returns), Iowa will likely pound the rock on the ground right into the hands of the talented Illinois State linebackers and force this into a game of field position.
Nothing says "college football is back" like betting an Iowa under.
Pick: Under 41
How to Watch Illinois State vs Iowa Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Big Ten Network |
Illinois State vs Iowa Betting Trends
- Illinois State is taking all the money in this matchup, pulling in 85% of the bets and 66% of the handle.
- The public is also on the over, pulling in 82% of the bets and 63% of the handle.
- Iowa won 10 games last season but went only 6-7-1 against the spread, including 3-3-1 ATS at home and 4-4-1 ATS as a favorite.
