Illinois vs. Chattanooga odds, prediction, line: 2022 Week 4 college football picks from expert on 4-0 run

Wed, Sep 21, 2022
NCAAF News (AP)

The Chattanooga Mocs (3-0) head up to Memorial Stadium to take on a Big Ten opponent when they play the'Illinois Fighting Illini (2-1) on Thursday evening. Chattanooga, a FCS program that plays in the Southern Conference, has looked comfortable in all three victories thus far, including a 41-14 win over North Alabama last week. Meanwhile, Illinois stifled Virginia en route to a 24-3 win in Week 3.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. The Fighting Illini are 18.5-point favorites in the latest Chattanooga vs. Illinois odds, while the over/under for total points is set at 39.5. Before making any Illinois vs. Chattanooga picks, you need to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's Micah Roberts.

Roberts has worked in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry for 20-plus years, including a 13-year run as Station Casinos' book director. Armed with an elaborate network of sources, Roberts has unmatched info in multiple sports. Over the past four college football picks, Roberts is 3-1, returning almost $200 during that span. He is also on a strong 4-0-1 run with his last five against-the-spread picks involving the Fighting Illini, returning $400 to $100 players.'

Now, Roberts has set his sights on Illinois vs. Chattanooga and just locked in his picks and CFB predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the college football odds and betting lines for Chattanooga vs. Illinois:'

Illinois vs. Chattanooga spread: Illinois -18.5
Illinois vs. Chattanooga over-under: 39.5 points
Illinois vs. Chattanooga money line: Chattanooga +700, Illinois -1000
CHAT: The Mocs are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games in September
ILL: The Fighting Illini are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall
Illinois vs. Chattanooga picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why Illinois can cover

Illinois' offense is built through its ground game and that rushing prowess has been on full display thus far. The Fighting Illini love to barrel their way through opponents, ranking fourth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (224). Junior running back Chase Brown is off to a red-hot start. Brown has a terrific burst and vision to find the open gap.

The Ontario native can also be a weapon out of the backfield with his soft hands. Brown also has breakaway speed to evade defenders. He has recorded 75 carries for 496 yards with two touchdowns this season. Brown has logged 140-plus yards in all three games thus far. In his last outing, he had 20 carries for 146 yards with a 7.3 yards per carry average.'

Why Chattanooga can cover

Chattanooga's offense is able to establish a formidable rushing attack behind a ferocious offensive line. The Mocs look to win the battle in the trenches and control the time of possession. Through three games, they are averaging 185 rushing yards per game. Junior running back Ailym Ford is the workhorse for the Mocs.

Ford is quick and shifty, allowing him to glide through the open hole. The South Carolina native also makes plays in the passing game with his smooth route running and secure hands. He leads the team with 59 carries for 325 yards with four touchdowns. Ford has also reeled in five receptions for 109 yards with two more scores.'

How to make Chattanooga vs. Illinois picks

For Illinois vs. Chattanooga, Roberts is leaning Over on the point total, but he also says a critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back. He's only sharing what it is, and which side of the Chattanooga vs. Illinois spread to back, at SportsLine.

So who wins Chattanooga vs. Illinois? And what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Chattanooga vs. Illinois spread you need to jump on Thursday, all from the expert that has crushed his college football picks, and find out. '