Illinois Basketball: Quick look at the Illini Big Ten schedule for 2017-18
The Illinois basketball team announced their conference opponents yesterday for the 2017-18 campaign.
This release of the upcoming season conference games is always interesting. There are a few games that already jump out to me as being massive tests. There are also games that are interesting to see if Illinois can correct their errors for years past. Here is a preview of the conference games.
Indiana
Illinois plays the Hoosiers at home and on the road this season. They were pummeled by this team last year but this is a different Illini program with a new lease on life. Indiana also lost their head coach and some talented players as well. Don’t be surprised if both of these games are close and they split the series.
Iowa
The only game against the Iowa Hawkeyes this season is at Illinois. Hopefully, the Illini can take advantage of the fact they only have to play Iowa once and it is at the State Farm Center. This should be a win for the Illini.
Maryland
Illinois gets another one game shot at home. This time it is against the Maryland Terrapins. The Illini fought tough against this team last season but fell short. Don’t be surprised if Illinois takes down a Terrapins team that lost a lot of talent from last season.
Michigan State
The Illini only played Michigan State once last season and actually won the game. They play the Spartans twice this upcoming campaign and I could see a split here too. Michigan State has some nice pieces returning and they also had a good recruiting class.
Nebraska
Nebraska lost some players in the offseason but Illinois still has to play them on the road. But, the Illini do get a shot at the Cornhuskers at home as well. If this can end up being a split for the Illini then I would be a happy camper.
Penn State
Illinois also gets Penn State at home and they don’t have to play them on the road. This team was one of the bugaboos for the Illini last season. They need to come out and beat the Nittany Lions in the only game they play them at home.
Purdue
The Illini only play Purdue once in the regular season and this game is at home as well. Purdue throttled Illinois last season, like many teams really. But, they did lose some talent so don’t be surprised if the Illini keep up and potentially knock off the Boilermakers.
Rutgers
Thankfully, Illinois has two games against Rutgers this upcoming season. You would think this would be easy but they lost to the Scarlet Knights at the end of the Groce era. This should be a different story, though. Illinois should be a different team and they should knock off Rutgers in both games.
Wisconsin
A tough series for the Illini is going to be against the Wisconsin Badgers. They get this team at home and on the road but Wisconsin is tough. I would be extremely happy with a split but don’t be shocked if the Illini get swept here.
Michigan
The first single game that is on the road is against the Michigan Wolverines. This is a team who keeps knocking the Illini out of the postseason every year. It is time for a change and the Illini need to show the Wolverines who is the boss.
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers get the Illini at home and they should be an improved team this year. Minnesota is pretty good and they are at home, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Illini fall in this contest.
Northwestern
The only game against the Northwestern Wildcats this upcoming season is in Evanston. That makes it tough for the Illini. Northwestern is an improved team as well. Look for this game to be close and, hopefully, Illinois can come away with a victory.
Next: Illini class of 2018 confidence meter
Ohio State
The final game on the slate is the Ohio State Buckeyes. Illinois has to play this team on the road and that should be a tough test. The Buckeyes went through a lot of turmoil over the last few months, though. That means they are a toss-up. Illinois should win this game.