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Illinois Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 15: Cheerleaders for the Illinois Fighting Illini run onto the field before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 15, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 17-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 15: Cheerleaders for the Illinois Fighting Illini run onto the field before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 15, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 17-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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In a surprise, Illinois didn’t play the Indiana Hoosiers last season. This could have been a win for the Illini in 2016 but they get to play them this year in Champaign. The fact this game is at home is great for this program.

Negative

Indiana had a solid passing attack last season led by Richard Lagow. He is now back as the starting quarterback for the Hoosiers. He threw for 3,362 yards and 19 touchdowns and should be dangerous once again.

The Hoosiers passing attack could be extremely dangerous because of Lagow but also because of the returning pass catchers for this team. They have three of their top five receivers returning including Nick Westbrook who led the team with 995 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Indiana also has wide receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. coming back as well. He missed last season with an injury but the year before had 60 catches for 1,035 yards and 4 touchdowns. He will be another weapon for this high-powered offense.

Positive

Last season, Indiana’s passing game ranked No. 28 in the nation averaging 273.8 yards per game. But, that number doesn’t tell the entire story. Despite Lagow throwing for a lot of yards, he also made mistakes. He threw 17 interceptions for the Hoosiers last season. Illinois will need to take advantage of the mistakes.

Indiana also lost leading rusher, Devine Redding. He rushed for 1,122 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2016 and their next leading rusher is Tyler Natee who ran for 237 yards. The Illini rush defense is going to be suspect this season and having a weak Indiana running game will help the Illinois defense.

The Hoosiers really didn’t score a lot in 2016 either. They had a good passing attack but only averaged 25.8 points per game which ranked No. 88 in the nation.

Prediction – W 27-21

This game is in Champaign. That gives the Illini the advantage and I think they are a better team than Indiana. The Hoosiers also lost their head coach from last season as well.

I can see Illinois coming away with a big win here at home. They will beat Indiana, 27-21.

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