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Illinois Football: Predicting all 12 games for the Illini 2022 season

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Illinois tight end Tip Reiman (89) blocks Purdue cornerback Dedrick Mackey (1) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Illinois
Illinois tight end Tip Reiman (89) blocks Purdue cornerback Dedrick Mackey (1) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Illinois /

Illinois football vs Purdue

Illinois is always in an ugly battle with Purdue football nearly every year. But this matchup seems competitive regardless of who is on the roster for either team.

Purdue is currently on a two-game winning streak against the Illini. They won the game in 2021 by four points and the game in 2020 by seven points. Despite Illinois almost beating the Boilermakers last year, they had a pretty good record.

In 2021, Purdue would finish with a 9-4 record.  Their leader at quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, is back for a final season. He threw for 3,712 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. There is no reason that O’Connell won’t be the starter this season again. He will be the heart and soul of the Purdue offense.

I think the departures for Purdue will hurt them more than people think. They lost a great wide receiver in David Bell, and their defense will take a big hit with defensive end George Karlaftis now with the Kansas City Chiefs. On top of all of that, Milton Wright, Purdue’s No. 2 wide receiver in 2021 was ruled academically ineligible and is not on the team anymore.

Purdue could easily take a step back this season. They averaged 29.1 points per game in 2021, which ranked No. 62 in the nation. They also gave up just 22.4 points per game, which ranked No. 34 in the country. I think both of those numbers get worse.

The worst part of Purdue’s defense in 2021 was stopping the run. They gave up 159.1 yards per game on the ground, which ranked No. 68 in the country. Look for Illinois to expose this flaw. I see players like Chase Brown and Josh McCray having big games against the Boilermakers. This should be a win for the Illini.

Illinois wins – 24-17

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