Illinois Football: Game-By-Game Prediction for the 2016 Season

It would not shock me if Wisconsin is ranked going into this game against Illinois.  They are deep at running back once again and that is always a dangerous weapon.

These two teams played last season and Illinois actually kept up for most of the game.  I thought the Illini actually had a chance until they didn’t.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Bart Houston started for the Badgers at quarterback and he has also been named as the starter this season as well.

Houston threw for 232 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions against Illinois last season.

The surprising part for the Illini was the ability to hold the Wisconsin running backs to little yards.  It also helped that Corey Clement was hurt as well.

Backup running back Dare Ogunbowale ran for 42 yards on 16 carries last season.

This season will be different, though.  Clement is healthy and Ogunbowale is back to his reserve role.

I expect these two running backs to have a pretty good day against the Illini.  This is what will kill them throughout the game.

But, I think Illinois will hang tough for most of the game again.  Vaughn rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown against the Badgers last season and I expect him to continue that production.

Illinois should be able to keep it close but will probably fall just short of Wisconsin to move to 7-3 on the season.

Next: vs. No. 17 Iowa