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

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

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

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

Fernando Mendoza threw for 267 yards and five touchdown passes to four different receivers in Indiana's 63-10 rout of No. 9 Illinois on Saturday night. An even balance with Khobie Martin rushing for 102 yards and two scores to lead the Hoosiers backs, who had 306 yards on the ground.

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.