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

Illinois finishes the season off with their usual foe, the Northwestern Wildcats.

Northwestern and Illinois played last season in which the Wildcats got the best of the Illini 24-14.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Going into that game Northwestern was actually ranked No. 16 in the nation.  This was one of the best seasons they have ever had.

Illinois actually struggled pretty badly on the offensive side of the ball.

Lunt threw for 241 yards and an interception.  He had under a 50-percent completion rate.

Vaughn rushed the ball 12 times for 62 yards but had to split carries with Josh Ferguson because he was a senior that year.

Northwestern’s quarterback play was even worse than Illinois’.

Clayton Thorson threw for 146 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.  He is returning for his sophomore season this year.

The killer of the game last season was running back Justin Jackson.

Jackson rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown last season.  This killed the Illini and was ultimately what caused their loss.

Illinois is going to have to deal with Jackson again this season.  I am thinking they will be ready for the run this time, though.

The Illini will end their losing to Northwestern and move to 8-4 on the season.

Next: Illini Recruiting Breakdown for 2017

This is the best season Illinois will have since the Rose Bowl run in 2007.  Lovie will make a huge impact and We Will Win.