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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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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Quinton Flowers
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Quinton Flowers /

South Florida is easily the best team Illinois will play in the non-conference. This Bulls program did great things in 2016 totaling 11 victories to only two losses. They also get back some extremely talented players and that is why they are starting the season ranked No. 19 in the nation.

Negative

The huge negative elephant in the room for the Illini is quarterback, Quinton Flowers. He is a great dual-threat quarterback who is likely a dark horse for the Heisman Trophy this season.

In 2016, Flowers led the South Florida program to the No. 4 scoring offense in the nation averaging 43.8 points per game. With his dual-threat ability, the team also averaged 285.3 yards per game on the ground which ranked No. 5 in the nation.

Flowers play was spectacular last season. He threw for 2,812 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,530 yards and 18 touchdowns. This kid is dangerous and will be a thorn in the side of the Illini defense.

Another reason South Florida is dangerous is that they are getting four of their top five pass catchers back as well. That will give Flowers some serious weapons out in space.

The Bulls are also getting back Auggie Sanchez who led the team in tackles and sacks. He is going to help contain the Illini.

Positive

Really, all Illinois has to do is contain Flowers and they can win this game. He was their leading rusher last season and the Bulls lost their leading running back Marlon Mack. So if they can contain Flowers things could turn out okay.

South Florida also has a bad defense as well. They gave up an average of 482 yards per game last season which ranked No. 120 in the nation. At worst, this game is going to end up being a shootout for the Illini.

Prediction – L 45-38

This game will end up being a shootout. Unless Flowers misses the game due to injury, the Illini will have a hard time stopping him. He reminds me a lot of Michael Vick in that sense.

Illinois will keep up with South Florida, though. The Bulls have a bad defense and the Illini have good wide receivers and a few solid running backs. Illinois hangs tough but falls to the Bulls 45-38.

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