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Can UAB Cover Big Spread Against Illinois?
1 Sep
Summary
- Illinois enters 2026 after a 9-4 season and bowl win.
- UAB begins a new era under first-year head coach Alex Mortensen.
- Katin Houser, a transfer QB, debuts for Illinois against UAB.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are set to begin their 2026 football season on Thursday night against the UAB Blazers. Illinois is aiming for continued success after achieving their third consecutive winning season in 2025, finishing 9-4 overall. They secured a victory in the Music City Bowl to cap off their campaign.
UAB enters a new chapter with Alex Mortensen in his first full year as head coach. Mortensen took over last season and led the Blazers to a 2-4 record in the final six games. The team will look to establish itself under his guidance as they face a challenging Week 1 matchup.
Key player to watch for Illinois is transfer quarterback Katin Houser. Houser, who previously played at Michigan State and East Carolina, will make his debut for the Illini. Last season at East Carolina, he threw for 3,300 yards, 19 touchdowns, and six interceptions, completing 65.9% of his passes.
Despite Illinois being heavily favored, concerns linger regarding their defense, which ranked 120th in defensive success rate last year and lost key players. The betting market suggests a significant point spread, leading to a prediction that UAB might cover, despite Illinois being expected to win the game outright.
