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Illinois Football: 5 things the Illini need to do to beat South Florida

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 01: AJ Bush #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the ball during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Kent State 31-24. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

The Illinois football team goes up against a stout South Florida team this weekend up at Soldier Field in Chicago.

This is a really big game for the Illini for many reasons. The main reason being it is a test to see where the program is right now. Illinois is 2-0 on the season but they were expected to beat Kent State and Western Illinois. The Illini are underdogs against South Florida. This game could potentially change the mindset of some fans and many media members about what the program is all about.

Illinois is also looking to get revenge on a Bulls team that beat down the Illini in 2017. Illinois was competitive in the first half of the game last season but couldn’t finish strong. They ended up losing the game 47-23. Illinois now has a chance to change the bad fortunes of 2017 and make 2018 a potential bowl berth year.

South Florida is a pretty good ball club, though. They lost their best player from last season but got a good replacement in former five-star recruit, Blake Barnett. His addition to this team makes them a dangerous bunch.

I don’t count the Illini out, though. They have some talent and are starting to gel. There are a handful of things they need to do to win the game.

Here are five things the Illini need to do to beat South Florida.

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