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Illinois Football: Roadmap to making the postseason

By Rees Woodcock

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith winces as he watches the South Florida Bulls score a touchdown during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith winces as he watches the South Florida Bulls score a touchdown during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /
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The Illinois football team is 2-3, and that record comes with a current losing streak that is at three games.

Everyone knows the Illini need to get off this nasty losing trend and soon. They are a program that has struggled this season due to youth and a mess of a quarterback situation. With a 2-3 record, many fans don’t have hope that this team can make a bowl game. Let me draw you out a roadmap to the postseason.

Game 1: Rutgers

Illinois, obviously, needs to win against Rutgers at home this weekend. The Scarlet Knights are a bad program with only one win to account for and that was against Morgan State. Besides for that one win over a non-FBS team, Rutgers has struggled mightily.

So, since this is a must win, Illinois can come away with a victory to move to 3-3.

Game 2: @ Minnesota

The Golden Gophers are a beatable team for the Illini. But, this is a road game so that always scares me. I think Illinois can compete, though, but I am not going to count this game as a win. I will chalk it up as a game that I think the Illini could surprise people but I don’t expect a victory.

So, that brings the Illinois record to 3-4.

Game 3: Wisconsin

Okay, let’s be honest, this is probably not going to be a win. If Illinois can be competitive, I would be happy. They need to show they can compete against these top teams and that would be a huge step forward.

So, with this loss, the Illini then move to 3-5 on the season.

Game 4: @ Purdue

The Boilermakers are a better program than they were last season, and really since the Curtis Painter era. The coaching change has made a huge difference with this Purdue team.

I expect this to be a good game like it was last year. Illinois lost in overtime but the Illini quarterback play was so sketchy. It should be more stable this season, though. Illinois will come away with a big win here in the Big Ten on the road.

So, this win would then bring Illinois’ record to 4-5.

Game 5: Indiana

The Indiana Hoosiers started the season off with some promise but their three wins are against bad teams. Virginia was the best victory, and while they are an okay team, it is nothing to write home about.

Since this game would be at home, I see Illinois coming away with a victory here. This will end up being a huge game for a bowl possibility and the Illini will come away with a clutch win.

So, now the Illini record becomes 5-5 heading into the final two games.

Game 6: @ Ohio State

This game will be much like the Wisconsin game. Illinois doesn’t have much of a shot at winning this game but I would be happy if they competed and kept the game close throughout.

Illinois just doesn’t have the players or firepower to keep up with a team like Ohio State.

So, this loss would then bring the record down to 5-6 for the Illini.

Next: Are the Illini improving under Lovie Smith?

Game 7: Northwestern

The Wildcats come down to Champaign for the final game of the season. I have been massively disappointed with how Northwestern has played this season. They seem to be overrated and Illinois will take advantage of their weaknesses. The Illini will come away with a huge win and they will become bowl eligible.

So, with the final game being a win, Illinois then would move to 6-6 and they would get into a bowl game.

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