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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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There really isn’t much to explain about this game. Ohio State is arguably the best team in the nation and they continued to reload with the No. 2 recruiting class in 2017. This game could get ugly considering it is at Ohio State.

Negative

Everything. No, I am kidding. But seriously, this there are so many ways Ohio State could steamroll the Illini. Let’s start with quarterback JT Barrett. He is back for his 25th season with the Buckeyes and should start receiving the AARP magazine soon. It seems like Barrett has been around forever.

Barrett was the starting quarterback for Ohio State in 2016. He threw for 2,555 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also ran the ball for 845 yards and 9 touchdowns as well. Illinois is going to have a long day attempting to stop the Barrett train.

Ohio State is also returning their leading running back from 2016 as well. Mike Weber rushed for 1,096 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Buckeyes last year. He is a force to reckoned with and the Illini will likely struggle with Weber’s abilities.

The Buckeyes are returning Tyquan Lewis who led the team with eight sacks last season. He will once again be a main cog in the Ohio State defense. Jerome Baker returns and he led the team in tackles and interceptions.

Positive

This one is rough. There really aren’t positives you can draw from this game. The only thing I can think of is this would be the 10-year anniversary of the Illini upsetting No. 1 Ohio State. Hopefully, they can somehow find that magic once again and upset this Buckeyes team.

Prediction – L 45-17

Ohio State is a really good team. They are likely to not lose a single game in 2017. Illinois will probably fall in this contest 45-17.

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