Wyoming vs. Illinois prediction: Why Week 0 matchup goes Over

The full slate of college football games kicks off next weekend, but on Saturday, we will get a taste with Week 0.

There may be a limited card, but a couple of good betting spots exist. One of those is the total in the Illinois-Wyoming game.

The Illini are rare double-digit favorites, mostly because Wyoming is one of the least-experienced teams in the nation, with just six returning starters.

The Cowboys were particularly gutted on defense where they lost 10 of their top 15 tacklers.

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We know Illinois head coach Bret Bielema wants to run the football and he should have success against a lot of Wyoming’s first-time starters.

Last season, even with 11 starters back, the Cowboys allowed more than 180 rushing yards per game.

This total is set at 44 because Illinois ranked 115th in scoring offense a year ago. I expect the Illini to take a big step forward on that side of the ball in Bielema’s second season.

Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl is one of the best in the country and the Cowboys’ defense will improve as the season goes on. But in Week 1, the young unit will struggle.

The play: Wyoming-Illinois Over 43.