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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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Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) runs the ball against Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin (55) in the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) runs the ball against Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin (55) in the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois football vs Minnesota

Minnesota has been a confusing team for quite some time. They aren’t a juggernaut by any means, but you look up at the end of the season and they finished 9-4. It is mind-blowing.

Illinois seems to play pretty well against Minnesota for the most part. They took down the Golden Gophers in 2021, 14-6. This was another win for the Illini over a ranked opponent. Minnesota does return some talent this season, though.

Tanner Morgan is back under center for the Golden Gophers. He is a stabilizing force at quarterback. Last season, Morgan threw for 2,044 yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. I think those are probably his numbers again this year.

The thing that scares me the most about Minnesota is the return of Mohamed Ibrahim at running back. He has a chance to be the best running back in the Big Ten, but he was injured last year. Illinois didn’t have to go up against him last season. It could have been a completely different game.

I think Illinois will still be ready for Ibrahim this year, though. While stopping the run is our weakest point in the defense, I think our offense is much better than what we put on the field in 2021.

Illinois only had 80 yards and a touchdown out of our quarterbacks in the game last season. I look for Tommy DeVito to throw for more yards and move the ball down the field much more efficiently. Despite Minnesota having more success in the running game, Illinois still manages to outscore the Golden Gophers.

Illinois wins – 31-23

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