Western Michigan (WMU) vs. Illinois Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 13, 2025
The Western Michigan Broncos (0-2, 1-1 O/U) are facing off against the ninth-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0, 1-1 O/U) are battling it out in Week 3 of the 2025 college football season on Saturday evening inside Memorial Stadium in nonconference action for our Broncos vs. Fighting Illini prediction. The Broncos started the season on a two-game losing streak as they are coming off a 33-30 overtime home loss on Saturday against the North Texas Mean Green. The Fighting Illini are on a two-game winning streak as they are coming off their 45-19 road win against the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday. This is the seventh time that these teams are facing off against one another, as Illinois holds a 4-2 lifetime record. Before kickoff: NCAAF predictions for Western Michigan (WMU) Broncos vs Illinois Illini in a clean snapshot.
Broncos Looking for First Win
The Western Michigan Broncos are looking like they have been unable to get off to a good start to begin the season, as they are 0-2 after their 33-30 overtime home loss against the North Texas Mean Green. Quarterback Broc Lowry struggled under center this season as he completed 10-of-20 (50.0%) of his passes for 166 yards with a passing touchdown while also rushing 16 times for 85 yards (5.3 yards per carry) with a pair of rushing touchdowns. Running back Jalen Buckley has been the most productive skill position player as he has posted 39 rushes for 133 yards (3.4 yards per attempt) on the ground while adding six catches for 58 yards (9.7 yards per reception) and a receiving touchdown.
Western Michigan’s defense has been struggling as they are giving up 28.0 points per game. The defense has recorded seven sacks, six pass deflections, one interception (returned for a touchdown), a pair of forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Injury Report for Western Michigan
- Cornerback Corey Webb: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Jordon Thomas: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Domanick Moon: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Gian Carter: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Running back Cole Cabana: Undisclosed (Questionable)
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Fighting Illini Crack the Top 10
The ninth-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini are looking to continue playing well after securing a win on the road last week over the Duke Blue Devils 45-17. The offense is averaging 57.5 points per game up to this point. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has had an incredible showing to begin the season as he completed 39-of-52 (75.0%) of his passes for 513 yards with six passing touchdowns and one interception. A significant factor in moving the ball down the field has been wide receiver Hank Beatty, as he recorded 13 catches for 236 yards (18.2 yards per catch) as well as a 25-yard touchdown run.
The defense stepped up as they are giving up only 11.0 points per game so far this season. The defense has been a massive force as they have posted seven sacks, three pass deflections, one interception, four forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. This Illinois team is completely firing on all cylinders this season.
Injury Report for Illinois
- Offensive guard Ayden Knapik: Knee (Questionable)
- Tight end Logan Farrell: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Ben Clawson: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Jaheim Clarke: Hamstring (Questionable)
- Cornerback Tywan Cox: Undisclosed (OUT)
- Running back John Forster: Undisclosed (OUT)
- Offensive guard JJ Hirdes: Knee (OUT)
- Tight end Grant Smith: Undisclosed (OUT)
Western Michigan (WMU) Broncos vs. Illinois Illini Pick
Spread Pick for Western Michigan (WMU) Broncos vs. Illinois Illini
- Illinois Fighting Illini -27.5 (4 units)
This number is massive, but there is a reason why we are comfortable eating all of these points. Luke Altmyer has put himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation while Broc Lowry is completing 50.0% of his passes. Illinois is ninth in the AP Poll for a reason and they can easily slow down an offense that is still searching for a consistent spark. All in all, go with the Illinois Fighting Illini to cover a large number at home.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,502.00 |
| 2 |  Pro Sports Picks | +1,421.00 |
| 3 |  Brick Haus Sports | +634.00 |
| 4 |  David Delano | +492.00 |
| 5 |  Michael Briggs | +355.00 |
Over/Under Pick for Western Michigan (WMU) Broncos vs. Illinois Illini
- Over 50.5 (4 units)
These teams are going to be able to move the football well. We do not need a lot of points scored by Western Michigan, but anything they get will help with reaching the total. The weather is expected to be a little overcast, but no precipitation or anything that can hinder the offensive game plan. These teams can get chunk plays in the passing game as Western Michigan is 63rd in the nation with 12.0 yards per completion, while Illinois is 35th with 13.2 yards per completion. Go with over 50.5 total points to be scored as the better bet here.
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