Illinois Football: Game-By-Game Prediction for the 2016 Season
The first test in the Lovie era is going to be the second game of the season against No. 22 North Carolina.
Last season Illinois got pounded by North Carolina, 48-14. They were dominated by quarterback Marquise Williams.
Williams threw for 203 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added in another 105 yards on the ground.
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But, this season Illinois doesn’t have to worry about Williams. He has graduated and backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky is now starting for the Tar Heels.
The jury is still out on Trubisky because he hasn’t had much playing time. Last season he threw for 555 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions while having an 85.1-percent completion rate.
I expect those numbers to be lower considering that was a combination of bits and pieces of games throughout the year.
Illinois will have their hands full with Trubisky but I think they still come away with a win in this game.
The Illini have too good of an offense to only score 14 points against the Tar Heels again. I expect Vaughn to come out rushing like he is one of the best running backs in college football.
I think when it is all said and done, this game will end up being a running back dual.
Last season North Carolina running back Elijah Hood had 16 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown. He is going to be a nightmare this season as well.
Hopefully, Vaughn can one-up Hood and the Illini can emerge victoriously.
Next: vs. Western Michigan