Illinois opens as double-digit underdog against undefeated UCLA

Illinois is riding its hottest stretch of the season, but the Illini will face a big challenge when they travel to California to take on No. 8 UCLA next weekend.

The Illini opened as 10.5-point underdogs against the Bruins, according to FanDuel, with UCLA listed at -10.5 (-105). Illinois is +10.5 (-115) against the spread.

UCLA is a -385 favorite on the moneyline, while Illinois sits at +310. The over/under is set at 45.5 points, with the over at -104 and the under at -118.

Bret Bielema’s bowl-eligible team enters the matchup at 6-3 overall (4-2 in Big Ten play) after earning its fourth consecutive victory Friday night, defeating Nebraska 24-13 at Gies Memorial Stadium. Illinois has turned its…