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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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IOWA CITY, IA – OCTOBER 07: Illinois running back Reggie Corbin (2) breaks through the Iowa line during a Big Ten Conference football game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 07, 2017, at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Ia. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IA – OCTOBER 07: Illinois running back Reggie Corbin (2) breaks through the Iowa line during a Big Ten Conference football game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 07, 2017, at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Ia. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Illinois vs. Iowa

One of the more embarrassing losses last season for the Illini was against the Iowa Hawkeyes. They torched the Orange and Blue, but this year could be different.

Positive

The Illinois football team didn’t fare well in 2017 and that was against an Iowa offense that didn’t rank very well. With a better Illini defense entering this season, things should change on that front. Iowa only rushed for 139.2 yards per game last season, which ranked No. 95 in the nation. Illinois’ improved defensive line and linebacker corps should help stop their running backs in 2018.

I think the Illini defensive backs should have an easier time against the Iowa quarterbacks as well. There is more experience and depth for Illinois, and Iowa only threw for an average of 189.8 yards per game in 2017, which ranked No. 94 in the nation. This is right up Illinois’ wheelhouse.

Negative

Despite having bad stats on paper, Illinois still got pounded by Iowa. This was a really bad game and one that, hopefully, won’t seep over into 2018. That bad performance could be a killer to the confidence of the team.

Another negative is the defense for Iowa. They ranked in the top 50 in both pass and rush defense last year. They only gave up 145.5 yards rushing and 212.8 yards passing per game in 2017. These are solid numbers, and Illinois is going to have to be efficient with their offense.

Keys to the Game

Iowa quarterback Nathan Stanley had a great day against Illinois last year. He threw for 247 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. The Illini defensive backs stepping up and locking down on their receivers is going to be huge. Stanley is back for another season, and he is going to be improved. If Illinois wants any chance to win, they need to stop him.

A bonus for the Illini defense is Iowa lost their top two running backs from 2017. Their leading returning rusher is Toren Young who only had 193 yards last season. I will be curious to see which Iowa running back steps up. Illinois’ defensive line has to be ready.

Iowa’s defense is still going to be pretty good, but they did lose Josey Jewell to the NFL. It will be nice not to have to deal with him anymore. But, I don’t expect their defense to be any lighter. They have a talented 11 on that side of the ball. Illinois is going to need to pick their spots when to go downfield. They can’t just air it out or this game will be over. Utilizing the slot receiver and the running backs in the passing game is going to be crucial. I think Illinois can hang with Iowa, though.

Prediction

Illinois 17 – 28 Iowa

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