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Illinois Football: 2020 season game-by-game predictions for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 19, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; The Marching Illini and Illinois Fighting Illini student section celebrate a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; The Marching Illini and Illinois Fighting Illini student section celebrate a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) dives but misses Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters (18) during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Illinois
Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) dives but misses Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters (18) during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Illinois /

Illinois vs. Purdue – October 31

Rees: Illinois wins 28-24 (2-0)

Purdue is fully embracing the run pass-heavy offense that their head coach Jeff Brohm has brought to every team he has coached. The quarterback position hasn’t been settled yet. It looks like Brohm will use returnees Jack Plummer and Aidan O’Connell as well as incoming transfer Austin Burton behind center.

But if you have three quarterbacks who share time, that is going to be difficult for timing. I could see it being a struggle for the first couple of games for the Boilermakers. If they do get the quarterback situation figured out, this Purdue team has weapons on the outside that could be dangerous.

On the defensive side, Purdue gave up 30.6 points per game to opponents last year, which ranked No. 78 in the nation. While the Boilermakers are losing their leading tackler from 2019, they do return their top two leaders in sacks and interceptions.

This time around, the Illinois vs. Purdue game probably won’t be a monsoon like in 2019. Thankfully, I think playing Purdue early in the year is going to be beneficial because they won’t have their quarterback situation figured out yet. I see Illinois coming away with a win here.

Collin: Illinois wins 28-13 (1-1)

Lovie Smith and the Illini will be hosting the Purdue Boilermakers on Halloween night. The Boilermakers finished the 2019 season with a 4-8 record, including a 6-24 loss to the Lovie-beard and the Illini. The Illini spook the Boilermakers with an easy Halloween night victory.

Dave: Illinois wins 35-27 (1-1)

I think this game will show the offensive power the Illini can have. Purdue simply has too many question marks at defense and at quarterback to go against a solid Illini team. With a core offense consisting of Brandon Peters, Josh Imatorbhebhe, Mike Epstein, and Luke Ford, the Illini will be ready for their home opener and set the tone for the rest of the season.

Max: Purdue wins 27-23 (0-2)

Purdue’s defensive line forces the Illini to go vertical resulting in a few too many turnovers. Rondale Moore’s presence presents a huge challenge for the Illini early on.

Zain: Illinois wins 31-17 (1-1)

This is an interesting one. A win is West Lafayette a year ago spark plugged the Illini’s run to bowl contention. Plain and simple, Illinois is better everywhere, and Purdue is not what they once were a few years ago. Illinois wins its home opener, getting back to .500 with ease.

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