Illinois-Washington
Saturday, Oct. 25
3:30 p.m. Eastern, 12:30 p.m. Pacific
Big Ten Network
Illinois and Washington have a lot to play for, and we will address the stakes attached to this game shortly. First, though, the Fighting Illini and the Huskies should want to win this game for a much simpler reason than trophies or championships: They need to prove they are good. We don’t know if they are.
Illinois’ only two losses are to Ohio State and Indiana, the two best teams in the country, but the Illini were blown out in both games. They did not look very good. Winning a home game against USC was a solid achievement, but winning a road game in Seattle would be even more impressive. If 2025 Illinois wants to be remembered as a good team, it needs to travel to the Pacific Northwest and take charge in this game.
Washington has looked bad for most of the past month. The Huskies’ offense was absolutely smothered by Ohio State and, more recently, by Michigan. Washington trailed Maryland 20-3 after three quarters before rallying in the fourth to win. Washington and its offense have sputtered, so against Illinois, it is paramount for the Huskies to not only win, but show their offense can compete and thrive in a big game against quality opposition.
Illinois and Washington meet their moment of truth
Illini and Huskies face a College Football Playoff elimination game
This game will carry ultimate importance for both teams. Illinois and Washington have multiple losses. The loser of this game is definitely out of the running for the College Football Playoff. Both teams have to run the table to have any shot at the playoff. Illinois has the more manageable inside track if only because it has already played Ohio State and Indiana. It is truly a season-defining game for both teams. How they will handle the pressure is a big piece of this game and how anyone might want to approach it from a betting standpoint.
Illinois Fighting Illini-Washington Huskies Odds
Hear TJ Rives and Jason Powers break down this game on the 3Dog Thursday Podcast by clicking Play below:
Spread: Illinois +4 (-110), Washington -4 (-110)
Total: 54.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Underdog moneyline: Illinois +155
The 3Dog Thursday brand is connecting to finding a good underdog angle. Well, here’s a big, loud barking dog for you to pick. Illinois has already tested itself against the very best in the Big Ten and the nation, going up against Ohio State and Indiana. Teams generally learn what they need to work on when they play elite opposition. What also works in the vistors’ favor is that after having faced the interior line strength of Ohio State and Indiana, Washington should be a lot more manageable and modest by comparison. Illinois should not get overpowered in this game. Luke Altmyer should have a clean pocket at quarterback, and Illinois’ defensive line should not get blown off the line of scrimmage by Washington’s inconsistent offensive front.
Washington has been mediocre for much of the season. The Huskies played a really good game against Rutgers in recent weeks, but the Illini are not Rutgers. Illinois plus the four points is a great pick to make. Washington just hasn’t done enough to warrant that much respect on the betting markets.