Aug 30, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Preston Stone (8) passes against Tulane Green Wave during the second half at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Week 2 of the college football season kicks off with a slate of four games on Friday night, and in the Big Ten, Northwestern hosts an FCS squad with a pretty big point spread in play.

The Wildcats welcome Western Illinois to town, which has already faced a Big Ten squad this season as it lost on the road to Northwestern's in-state rival, Illinois, 52-3 in Week 1. Now, the Leathernecks get another shot at knocking off an in-state, higher-division foe.

Northwestern's season began in disappointing fashion, losing 23-3 on the road to Group of Five playoff contender Tulane in a game that was non-competitive. The Wildcats will be hoping for a better showing on Friday.

Stream Northwestern vs. Western Illinois

If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.

Northwestern vs. Western Illinois game odds

All college football odds via BetMGM

  • Spread: Northwestern -31.5 (-110), WIU +31.5 (-110)
  • Money Line: N/A
  • Over-Under: Over 48.5 (-110), Under 48.5 (-110)

Northwestern vs. Western Illinois prediction, pick:

Northwestern looked pretty abysmal in Week 1, but the Wildcats aren't (or at least shouldn't be) in danger of actually losing this game. Still, a spread of more than 30 points feels like a lot given how David Braun's team looked on Saturday in New Orleans. Illinois beat the Leathernecks by 49 points, but Northwestern is not its former Big Ten West rival.

Prediction: Northwestern 31, Western Illinois 10

Best Bet: WIU +31.5, Under 48.5

Northwestern vs. Western Illinois channel, start time, streaming:

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: Big Ten Network

Live Stream: Fox Sports App

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Northwestern vs. Western Illinois: Week 2 College Football Betting Odds, Prediction, Pick

Reporting by Tyler Nettuno, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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