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Illinois Football: Game-by-game predictions for the 2019 season

By Rees Woodcock

EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini flag is seen during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on November 24, 2018, at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini flag is seen during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on November 24, 2018, at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JULY 18: Michigan State University football head coach Mark Dantonio speaks to media members during the Big Ten Football Media Days event on July 18, 2019 at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 18: Michigan State University football head coach Mark Dantonio speaks to media members during the Big Ten Football Media Days event on July 18, 2019 at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

L – Illinois at #18 Michigan State – November 9

Illinois will have back-to-back wins to get this team to bowl eligibility with three games remaining. This will be a big milestone for the coaching staff. We are going to get back to a bowl game. The Illini then head to No. 18 Michigan State.

The Spartans have a lot of talent returning from their 2018 campaign. Quarterback Brian Lewerke is back under center after he threw for 2,040 yards, 8 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While he struggled last season, I think he comes back this year and is much-improved. But this is still an area where Illinois could change the game. If we can get a pick or two off of Lewerke that could shift momentum.

Michigan State’s running attack wasn’t what it usually is last season. Their leading rusher was Connor Heyward who ran for 529 yards and 5 touchdowns. He only had a 4.5 yards per carry average, though. Since he is returning, I would assume he still has the starting job in the backfield.

The defensive is what carries this Michigan State football team. Last season, they only gave up 17.2 points per game, which ranked No. 5 in the nation. That is where they are going to get Illinois. I think the Illini will be in this game until the final seconds tick off. This will be a close one but the Illini will drop the road game to the Spartans.

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