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

By Rees Woodcock

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Jul 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois didn’t have the privilege of playing Michigan State last season but they will this year.  I expect the Illini to be ranked heading into this matchup as well.

Michigan State has a new quarterback heading into the 2016 season.  Connor Cook has now graduated and Tyler O’Connor will fill in for him.

O’Connor didn’t see many snaps last season.  He threw for 133 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.  Depending on how good he is this season, Illinois might have a chance at winning this game.

There was a lot of turnover with this Spartans team.  They had to replace their starting quarterback, running back, and leading wide receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, they are also suspect in the passing game.

Last season, Michigan State only gave up 116 yards per game on the ground.  This is a great number and opposing running backs couldn’t move the ball.

But, the Spartans also gave up 233.9 yards per game through the air which is about as average as you can get.

Illinois is going to need to attack Michigan State through the air if they want to win this game.

Lunt will be an important asset to the Illini, but I think Illinois falls just short because it is Michigan State who has a plethora of talent.

Next: at Wisconsin

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