Illinois Football: 2020 season game-by-game predictions for the Illini
Illinois @ #16 Wisconsin – October 23
Rees: Illinois wins 21-13 (1-0)
Usually, the result of a game at a ranked Wisconsin team doesn’t bode well for the Illinois football team. But that might not be the case in 2020. Jack Coan, the Badgers incumbent quarterback, is likely to be out for the game. That isn’t the only missing piece Wisconsin won’t have from the team last year.
Running back Jonathan Taylor is now with the Indianapolis Colts. He rushed for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2019. The Badgers also lost their top wide receiver, Quintez Cephus, to the Detroit Lions.
So, Wisconsin won’t have their starting quarterback and they lost their top running back and wide receiver from 2019. Their defense also looks depleted compared to last season. Illinois, on the other hand, is returning pretty much their entire roster. Honestly, I am shocked Wisconsin is ranked. I see this as an upset on paper, but I don’t think there is a big talent gap between the Illini and Badgers.
Collin: Wisconsin wins 42-17 (0-1)
Every Illini fan remembers what happened the last time these two teams matched up. James McCourt clutched a 39-yard field goal as time expired to give the Illini a 24-23 win, leaving then #5 Wisconsin — and the rest of the nation — stunned. The Badgers get their revenge as they dominate the season opener.
Dave: Wisconsin wins 27-17 (0-1)
Drawing Wisconsin on the road out of the gate is not an easy task. After the Illini’s historic upset of the Badgers last season, Wisconsin is looking for revenge. Wisconsin is not the same team it was last season without Jonathan Taylor, but I think Paul Chryst will have his team ready to go to start the season.
Max: Wisconsin wins 24-21 (0-1)
I don’t quite see the Illini replicating the upset of 2019. Graham Mertz does just enough for the Badgers to edge the Illini.
Zain: Wisconsin wins 24-13 (0-1)
If you would have told me six weeks ago that the Fighting Illini would open with the Wisconsin Badgers on the road, I would not have believed it. The Badgers are one of the Big Ten’s most consistent teams every year and have little to no trouble with its West opponents. If the Illini can force a few turnovers and Brandon Peters plays mistake-free football, the Illini have a shot. However, it’s a tough ask and one I just don’t see happening. Wisconsin exacts revenge here.