Illinois vs. UAB Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 1

Week 1 Thursday matchup on Big Ten Network: Bret Bielema returns to lead Illinois after a 9-4 season — his teams usually light up season openers.
Illinois starts new QB Katin Houser (ECU transfer): 26 career starts, 3,330 yards, 19 TDs and 6 INTs in 2025, plus 282 rushing yards and 9 rushing TDs.
UAB enters Alex Mortensen’s first full season amid a roster overhaul (only 3 returning starters, 39 transfers) and an inexperienced QB, making them the underdog.