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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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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 27: President Ted Tollner of the Holiday Bowl congratulates Blake Cashman
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 27: President Ted Tollner of the Holiday Bowl congratulates Blake Cashman /

Illinois heads into the game against Minnesota looking to make it more of a contest than the year before. Last season, the Illini fell to the Golden Gophers 40-17. Minnesota played pretty well last year finishing with nine wins.

Negative

The big negative for the Illini this season is the return of running back Rodney Smith. Minnesota averaged 183.6 yards per game on the ground in 2016 and the main reason for that solid production was because of Smith.

Smith rushed for 1,158 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Golden Gophers. He is now back and will likely be a menace for Illinois’ young front four.

Illinois could struggle on offense as well. Minnesota had a special defense last season averaging giving up 348.8 yards per game which ranked No. 21 in the nation. Most of that defense is returning in 2017 as well.

Blake Cashman returns for the Golden Gophers and he led the team with 7.5 sacks last season. Minnesota also returns over half of their interception production from 2016 as well.

Positive

Mitch Leidner struggled for Minnesota last season. He was the starter for this program but he has now departed and Conor Rhoda is likely to start. He was only 8-of-16 for 88 yards and a touchdown in 2016. Illinois should be able to play well against this inexperienced Minnesota passing attack.

Prediction – L 35-21

This is a tough game to predict. Illinois was pounded by Minnesota last season mostly because of the running game. I imagine the Illini will struggle again with Smith this season.

Illinois’ defense will put up more of a fight and their offense should be slightly better. I see Illinois still falling 35-21, though.

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