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

Illinois football @ Indiana

If you are just looking at what the Indiana football program did last year, you would easily pick Illinois as the winner here. But I think the Hoosiers are a better team heading into the 2022 campaign.

Last season, Indiana struggled greatly. They got off to a 2-2 start but then lost their final eight games of the season. Only two of the final eight losses were by fewer than 20 points as well. This team was a mess.

Indiana’s quarterback situation was one of the worst in the country. As a group, they threw for 2,106 yards, nine touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. They also had a completion rate of 51%.

The two options Indiana has narrowed down at quarterback are incumbent Jack Tuttle and transfer Conner Bazelak. Indiana head coach Tom Allen is keeping the starter close to the vest, but I assume Bazelak is getting the start.

Tuttle finished the 2021 campaign with 423 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. He could only complete 51.7% of his passes as well. On the other hand, Bazelak had 2,548 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions for Missouri. I think this one is a no-brainer.

Indiana’s passing game is probably going to be something they lean on in 2022, but pass defense is Illinois’ strong suit on defense. I do think this game is going to be decently close. I think Indiana is a much better team this season. But I also believe Illinois is going to be better as well.

Let’s also not forget, Indiana’s defense in 2021 gave up 33.2 points per game, which ranked No. 109 in the country. While their offensive might be improved, their defense is still going to get shredded. Illinois will run all over the Hoosiers in a victory.

Illinois wins – 38-28