The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are set to head to Champaign for a Big Ten clash with the No. 17 Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 7, setting us up with some #1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois predictions!

Ohio State has dominated its first five games with a strong defense and effective quarterback play, while Illinois has bounced back from an early-season debacle against Indiana to secure impressive victories over USC and Purdue.

This game presents an intriguing battle of strengths: Ohio State’s historically tough defense against an Illinois offense that has been one of the most productive in the Big Ten the past couple of weeks.

#1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois Predictions for College Football Week 7, Saturday, 10/11

The Buckeyes are favored by double digits on the road, but Illinois has shown it can compete well against strong teams at home. Plus, both offenses possess enough talent to exceed the game’s projected total of 49.5 points.

Despite Ohio State’s defense allowing single-digit points in every game this season, the total being under 50 seems a bit too cautious, which is where our #1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois picks are headed.

 

 

 

#1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois Best Bet: Over 50.5 (-105 at FanDuel)

The Buckeyes’ offense has been dynamic with Julian Sayin at the helm, who leads the nation in completion percentage (over 80%) and ranks among the top five in yards per attempt. He is supported by exceptional skill players — Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Bo Jackson from the backfield — making this offense nearly unstoppable when it hits its stride.

Illinois’ defense will pose some challenges, but it isn’t equipped to fully contain this caliber of talent. The Illini have given up nearly 390 yards per game on average and have shown particular weakness against deep passing plays, which is where Sayin and Harrison excel. OSU is scoring an average of 37.4 points per game, even after facing a number of solid defenses, and its effective passing game should lead to several big plays in this matchup.

However, the argument for the Over isn’t solely based on Ohio State. Illinois’ offense has been surprisingly efficient in the Big Ten since losing to the Hoosiers. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been outstanding, completing 74% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Illini have averaged 38.5 points per game since the blowout against Indiana.

Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. has expanded the playbook, utilizing tempo and spread formations to challenge defenses. This strategy could prove effective against an Ohio State defense that excels in tight formations and aggressive pursuit. Anticipate Illinois to create significant plays through quick reads and motion to counter the Buckeyes’ pass rush.

All of this said, Ohio State’s defense has been nearly flawless — no team has scored against them in the red zone all season — but Illinois’ balanced attack poses a distinct challenge.

The Illini are averaging almost 400 total yards per game, featuring two running backs (Calil Valentine and Kaden Feagin) who can alleviate pressure from Altmyer. Their ability to maintain drives and score in the latter stages could push this game over the total, particularly if Ohio State establishes an early lead and accelerates the pace.

This matchup has all the elements of a “scoreboard” game — one where both offenses exert their influence at times. Even if Ohio State’s defense bends without breaking, its offense alone could approach 40 points, and Illinois is capable enough to add a few scoring drives of their own. We’ll take the over in our #1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois predictions.

 

 

 

How To Watch #1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois College Football Week 7

  • Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Memorial Stadium — Champaign, IL
  • TV: FOX

#1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Here are the latest #1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois odds for the matchup from FanDuel Sportsbook, set for Saturday afternoon. This follows our previous conversation about our #1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois predictions:

  • Money Line (ML): Buckeyes -650 | Fighting Illini +480
  • Spread: Buckeyes -14.5 (-106) | Fighting Illini +14.5 (-114)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

 

 

 

#1 Ohio St. vs. #17 Illinois Injury Report & Latest News

Ohio State Injury Report

  • M. Maggs (QB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • M. Roy (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • D. Stewart (S) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • I. Jones (S) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • A. Tounkara (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • B. Rodgers (WR) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • T. Rogers (RB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • J. Moore (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • E. Mensah (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed

Illinois Injury Report

  • L. Zardzin (LB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • B. Clawson (CB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • A. Knapik (OG) – Questionable, Knee
  • D. Brown (LB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • X. Scott (CB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • L. Farrell (TE) – Out, Undisclosed
  • T. Cox (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Forster (RB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • J. Hirdes (OG) – Out, Knee
  • G. Smith (TE) – Out, Undisclosed

 

 

 

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