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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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Oct 5, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois vs #24 Minnesota – November 7

Rees: Minnesota wins 42-35 (2-1)

Illinois was pounded by Minnesota in 2019, 41-17. The Illini didn’t have Brandon Peters in this game, though. With that being said, the Gophers are still a great team right now.

Minnesota returns their starting quarterback in Tanner Morgan. He threw for 3,253 yards, 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions last season. Their leading wide receiver from 2019 is currently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Gophers still return Rashod Bateman who finished last season with 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving.

The running game for Minnesota is always solid too. Their leading rusher departed the program, but Mohamed Ibrahim should step into the starting role without a hitch. He rushed the ball for 604 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2019. So, most of the offensive firepower is still there for Minnesota.

The Gophers also touted a great defense in 2019, averaging 22.7 points per game given up to opponents. That is going to change in 2020. Minnesota’s defense is greatly depleted. This is where Illinois needs to attack. While I think Illinois is going to put some points on the board, I think the Gophers come away with a win here.

Collin: Minnesota wins 38-27 (1-2)

This is one of the winnable games against a likely favored team the Illini have on their schedule.

When these two squads met in 2019, the Gophers ran away with the victory by outscoring the Illini 24-7 in the second half.  Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan threw for three touchdowns in the Minnesota win.

Morgan, who led Minnesota’s fourth-ranked Big-Ten 2019 offense will be back under center for the Gophers in 2020.

The Golden Gopher offense will be too much for the Illini to handle.

Dave: Illinois wins 27-24 (2-1)

Minnesota looks to build off their 11-2 record last season as quarterback Tanner Morgan is a borderline Heisman candidate coming into the season. However, Minnesota lost its offensive coordinator and a couple of key players on both offense and defense. I like the Illini’s experience heading into this one to match the Gopher’s talent. This will be the Illini’s big upset of the year and put them in the conversation as a Big Ten West title contender.

Max: Minnesota wins 41-21 (0-3)

The Gophers lose some pieces defensively but remain intact on offense running behind an incredibly strong line. The Illini get bullied a bit here by the Gophers as they compete for a B10 West championship.

Zain: Illinois wins 24-21 (OT) (2-1)

If Illinois wants to get 5-6 wins in this pandemic-shortened slate, this game is a must-win. Minnesota is one of the country’s most under looked teams and is coming off a magical 2019 season that saw them win the Outback Bowl. Last year’s game saw the Illini make costly mistakes and key turnovers, ultimately leading to an impressive day from Tanner Morgan through the air. I think Illinois is a better version of themselves than they were last year, and I expect Daniel Barker and Mike Epstein to find paydirt in Champaign. Illinois shocks the Big Ten, improving to 2-0 at Memorial Stadium.

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