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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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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Scott Frost of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during pregame activities before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Scott Frost of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during pregame activities before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

W – Illinois vs. #24 Nebraska – September 21

The first game of the Big Ten slate for the Illini comes against the No. 24 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers. This is a huge test for the Orange and Blue and a game that I think they can win if they play their A-game. But this is going to be a game that could determine how the season goes.

Nebraska is obviously a good team. Their quarterback, Adrian Martinez, is going to end up being one of the best in the country. He threw the ball for 2,617 yards, 17 touchdowns and 8 interceptions as a freshman. Those numbers are likely to improve this season.

With that being said, this Nebraska team still went 4-8 last season. They aren’t a powerhouse by any means, and I question the fact they are ranked to start the season. The Cornhuskers lost their starting running back, Devine Ozigbo, and he rushed for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 203 yards receiving. I realize Maurice Washington is going to replace him, but those two formed a solid two-headed monster last season that won’t exist in 2019.

I also realize Illinois lost to Nebraska last season 54-35. The Illini defensive was put in bad spots with turnovers and AJ Bush didn’t have a good game through the air. Ozigbo also ran the ball 11 times for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is gone now.

Like previously mentioned, Nebraska is missing their leading rusher from last season in Ozigbo. They are also missing their leading wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., their leader in sacks Luke Gifford and five of their top six leading tacklers all departed the program. That is a ton to replace, especially coming off a 4-8 campaign.

Illinois is a more experienced team than Nebraska. They have improved at just about every position on the football field compared to last year. I think we are going to be better at stopping the run with an improved defensive line and linebacker corps. I also think our safeties will help with this too. Illinois shocks the world and takes down Nebraska in their first Big Ten game of the season.

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