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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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald looks on during the Big Ten Conference Championship college football game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes on December 1, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald looks on during the Big Ten Conference Championship college football game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes on December 1, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

W – Illinois vs. Northwestern – November 30

The final game of the regular season for the Illinois football team is going to be against the Northwestern Wildcats. I have the Illini as a bowl team before this game, but it is still huge for bragging rights purposes.

Last season, Northwestern had Clayton Thorson behind center. He threw for 3,183 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He has departed the program and either Hunter Johnson or TJ Green will be starting for the Wildcats. I would assume Johnson eventually takes over the starting job as he was a five-star quarterback who transferred in from Clemson. In his career, he has thrown for 234 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Northwestern does return their starting running back, Isaiah Bowser, from last season. In 2018, Bowser rushed for 866 yards and 6 touchdowns. I expect him to be a workhorse for this program in 2019 since he has experience.

The offense seems to be solid for the Wildcats. Their defensive will probably be good again too. Last season, they averaged giving up 23.2 points per game, which ranked No. 35 in the nation. That isn’t amazing, but it is a solid defense.

Next. Projected Illini depth chart against Akron. dark

This game is at home for the Illini. Northwestern isn’t exactly a juggernaut on either side of the ball. I think this is a perfect opportunity for Illinois to come in and knock off their biggest rival. Illinois would then move to 7-5 on the season.

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