Illinois Football: The Writing Illini 2021 season predictions

Illinois football fans will get to see the team play this Saturday against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Football is finally back, and the Illini have a renewed sense of hope thanks to the hiring of Bret Bielema to lead the squad. With Bielema at the helm, things seem to be trending upward.

But in year one, can Illinois improve on the lackluster 2020 campaign? The Writing Illini crew gave their predictions on the upcoming season.

Here are the predictions for the Illinois football 2021 season.

Rees: It is hard not to be optimistic about the 2021 campaign. In addition to a new coaching staff that knows how to navigate through the college scene, the Illini are also returning a lot of their roster from the past couple of years.

Illinois’ leading passer, rusher, and five out of the top six receivers are all back from the 2020 season. So, there should be some firepower on offense. The defense doesn’t look bad either.

I am curious to see how the transitions from defensive end to outside linebacker will go for a handful of players. The secondary is sketchy as well. The defense will for sure be the Illini’s bugaboo in 2020. But I think we are going to run the ball well, which should take some pressure off the defense.

In the non-conference, I see Illinois beating UTSA and Charlotte. Virginia on the road will be a tough contest, though. I will have us dropping that game. Out of the Big Ten games, I have us beating Nebraska, Maryland, Rutgers, and Minnesota. The losses would be at Purdue, Wisconsin, at Penn State, at Iowa, and Northwestern.

• Final record: 6-6

Dave: There will be a lot of ups and downs this season under new head coach, Brett Bielema. There are simply too many question marks on both sides of the ball as Bielema tries to manage returning veterans with eager underclassmen. It may take a season or two for Bielema and company to mold the team and style of play they want.

• Final record: 4-8

Zain: Bret Bielema’s first year with the Orange and Blue is critical. Getting off to a hot start in the first 5-6 games will show a lot. Getting a plethora of super seniors back will give the Illini a lot of momentum and experience entering the back half as well. Is it bowl game or bust? Only time will tell.

• Final record: Ceiling 8-4, Floor 3-9

Jalen: I predict Illinois to go 7-5 this season. The offense and defense struggle but they are good enough to get to and win a bowl game.

• Final record: 7-5

Collin: In what is going to be the start of the Bret Bielema era, I think the Illini are going to see an increased amount of success this season in comparison to the recent campaigns.

The biggest change from last season to this season should be the success of the offense. Senior QB Brandon Peters — who will be more accumulated into the offense going into this season — should be much more efficient this go-around. A more competent coaching staff, experience, and talent around him will all greatly benefit the senior QB.

The Illini defense should also take a step forward this season — experience being the primary factor. Notably, the Orange and Blue will be returning its senior leader LB Jake Hansen, who will be the captain of the Illini defensive unit. The Fighting Illini secondary, which is composed of upperclassmen, such as SS Sydney Brown, CB Tony Adams Jr, and transfer FS Prather Hudson, will also help this defense take another step forward.

After enduring a frustrating 2020 season, finishing with a subpar record of 2-6, I see the Fighting Illini ultimately finishing the year with a 6-6 record, qualifying for a bowl game. The Bret Bielema era has just begun.

• Final record: 6-6