Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: How the Big Ten will shake out for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 15
Next
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – APRIL 21: Penn State QB Trace McSorley (9) readies before a snap during the Spring Football Game on April 21, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – APRIL 21: Penn State QB Trace McSorley (9) readies before a snap during the Spring Football Game on April 21, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Penn State Nittany Lions 9-3

There was so much talent on the Penn State football team in 2017. They are returning some of that talent but there are a few key pieces that aren’t coming back.

I think the departure of Saquon Barkley is going to hurt this team more than people think. He was the heart and soul of the program. I do think Trace McSorley will have a good year, though. But, can he be the leader of this offense is the question.

Penn State has an easy road the first four games of the 2018 campaign. They shouldn’t have troubles until they go up against Ohio State in week five. This is where they will have issues. Penn State will need to find a running game before this contest or things could be bad. I see them losing to the Buckeyes because of the lack of balance on offense.

The Nittany Lions will rebound nicely, though. They beat Michigan State the next game and then follow that up with good wins against Indiana and Iowa. This will put them back on track for a big bowl and likely back in the top 10.

Another rough patch for the Nittany Lions will come after the Iowa win. They have Michigan and Wisconsin in back-to-back weeks. I think they will compete in both games but fall short. After those two games, Penn State will win the final two against Rutgers and Maryland to finish with a nine-win season.

Home/Illinois Football