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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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Wisconsin fullback John Chenal (44) picks up a first down before being tackled by Illinois linebacker Tarique Barnes (44) during the second quarter of their game on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.Mjs Uwgrid10 13 Jpg Uwgrid10 /

Illinois football @ #18 Wisconsin

While Indiana is technically the start of the Big Ten season, the meat of the schedule doesn’t begin until Illinois heads to Wisconsin to take on the No. 18 ranked Badgers.

The series between Illinois and Wisconsin has been weird the last couple of years. The Illini had the amazing upset over the Badgers just a few years back, but since then, Wisconsin has taken out their frustration on us. They beat Illinois 45-7 in 2020 and then 24-0 last season. That is 69-7 in the last two seasons.

I think Graham Mertz is back as Wisconsin’s starting quarterback. While Illinois has struggled against him, he still isn’t a great passer. Last season, Mertz finished with 1,958 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. If Illinois wants any chance to win this game, they will have to stop the Wisconsin running attack.

In 2021, running backs Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi rush for a combined 2,083 yards and 17 touchdowns. Sadly, those two are back for another season with the Badgers. That is scary to think about. These two killed Illinois last season. They rushed for 276 yards and two touchdowns.

Illinois runs a 3-4 defense, so it is harder to stop the run at the line of scrimmage. Run defense is also the weak point for the Illini overall. I think our offense will be able to put up a few points this time around, though. I think we can get better quarterback play than the 11-of-34 for 67 yards last season.

Even with better quarterback play and some points, I think Wisconsin still takes this game. It will be a closer matchup, though.

Illinois loses – 21-10

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