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Illinois Football: Illini game-by-game predictions for the 2018 season

By Rees Woodcock

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 29: A Nebraska Cornhuskers fan tries to get the attention of scoreboard cameras during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 29: A Nebraska Cornhuskers fan tries to get the attention of scoreboard cameras during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Illinois @ Nebraska

In year one under the Scott Frost era, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are going to try to get back to their glory days. But, the game against the Illini might not be a cakewalk.

Positive

Illinois is not going up against your father’s Nebraska team. This isn’t the same hardnosed defense, pound the rock offense, type of team anymore. The Illini have a chance to expose the bad rush defense Nebraska brings to the table. They averaged giving up 216.7 yards per game on the ground in 2017 and that ranked No. 108 in the nation.

Nebraska’s rushing offense wasn’t any better. They rushed for 107.5 yards per game, which ranked No. 120 in the nation. This is a shocking stat for a program who has a tradition of running the football. Illinois should be able to have a good day on the defensive line.

Negative

The pass defensive for Nebraska was a challenge in 2017. They only gave up 221.4 yards per game through the air. This ranked No. 55 in the nation. Having the ability to throw the ball is nice, but Illinois is more likely to be running in 2018.

Another negative is the fact Frost is going to bring a different scheme than Illinois faced in 2017. The Illini won’t be able to use much game film from last season, and that is a major disadvantage.

Keys to the Game

It is exciting that Tanner Lee is not back with the team for the 2018 campaign. He was a big part of the Cornhuskers last season and tore up the Illini in the one game they played. Lee threw for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 28-6 blowout of the Illini. Without Lee, Nebraska will have to go with a freshman or sophomore behind center this season. Illinois’ defensive backs should have a good game against Nebraska.

Another key to this game will be the Illinois offense. Can they get the ball moving? Last season the Illini quarterbacks combined for 106 yards and an interception. That is unacceptable. Getting AJ Bush moving and in space will be huge for the Illini in scoring more than six points. I think Illinois will compete in this game, though.

Prediction

Illinois 17 – 24 Nebraska

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