The Illini appear to be favored by ... almost no one. Yet another analytical tool expects the Hoosiers to stave off the visitors.

Much of the season was spent looking for the next Indiana, but IU wasn't lost. It proved that against Illinois on Saturday night.

ESPN's Rece Davis, Pete Thamel split on Illinois vs. Indiana Hoosiers football picks

Indiana's quarterback Fernando Mendoza has put himself in company with C.J. Stroud, Joe Burrow, Caleb Williams and Tua Tagovailoa.

ESPN gives Indiana a 62.8% chance of victory Saturday night, while Vegas has the spread opening at four and a half points. The AP Poll and broadcast will frame it as something of an upset if Indiana wins, but at this point, the consensus is that the Hoosiers are the favorites.

It's a busted coverage for IU's defense and Luke Altmyer takes what equates to a layup with a 59-yard touchdown catch-and-run for Collin Dixon. It was one-on-one coverage with D'Angelo Ponds and Dixon was left alone after Ponds stopped running.

Illinois all-conference defensive back Xavier Scott is likely to miss Saturday's Big Ten opener at No. 19 Indiana following an injury last week, coach Bret Bielema said Thursday.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Indiana Hoosiers NCAAF game to be played on September 20, 2025 on ESPN.