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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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The final game of the season for the Illinois football team is, of course, against the Northwestern Wildcats. This game could be pretty good because they always seem to be competitive. Illinois did fall to the Wildcats last season but that is because of Kendrick Foster getting injured.

Negative

Northwestern had a better than expected passing game in 2016. Clayton Thorson threw the ball for 3,182 yards and 22 touchdowns. This production helped the team rank No. 53 in the nation averaging 245.1 passing yards per game.

Thorson is back again and he could be a pain for the Illini. His passing abilities are above average and Illinois will be focusing on the Northwestern rushing attack.

The Wildcats return running back Justin Jackson. He is arguably the best running back in the Big Ten. Jackson carried the ball for 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns for the program last season. He is a special talent that will likely be in the first half of the NFL Draft. Illinois is going to struggle against Northwestern’s rushing attack because of an inexperienced front four.

Northwestern also had a pretty good defense in 2016 as well. They averaged giving up 404.4 yards per game which ranked No. 60 in the nation. They return Godwin Igwebuike who led the team in tackles with 108 last season. Montre Hartage returns for the Wildcats as well and he led the team in interceptions.

Positive

Besides for Jackson, Northwestern doesn’t have too much in the rushing attack. Jackson is going to be a monster to stop but if the Illini can manage to contain him, the Wildcats don’t have a change-of-pace guy behind him. This gives the Illini some hope on the ground.

The Northwestern defense did take a hit with Ifeadi Odenigbo departing. He led the team with 10 sacks last season. They will have to rely on Xavier Washington to lead the way this year. He had 4.5 sacks in 2016.

Northwestern wasn’t a great team last year. They finished 7-6 and Illinois kept up with them most of the game before letting it slip away. I still blame injuries for that loss.

Next: 5 surprises on the Scout depth chart

Prediction – W 17-14

This is the hardest game on the schedule to predict. Illinois has the ability to knock off this talented Northwestern team but they have to play well. The fact that the game is in Champaign really helps with my decision.

Illinois is going to come away from this game with a victory at home. They will win an ugly game in Champaign, 17-14.

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