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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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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 02: The Illinois Fighting Illini helmet on the field after a win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Illinois football vs #15 Michigan State

Michigan State continues to impress people with their ability to be a top 25 program consistently. But Illinois has surprisingly had some success against the Spartans over the past few years. Currently, the Illini are on a two-game winning streak in this matchup.

The last time the two teams played was in 2019 when Illinois made an incredible comeback to become bowl eligible. It is one of those games where I will always remember where I was when we won. Michigan State has changed a lot since 2019, though.

Last season, the Spartans finished 11-2 and had a good combination of running and passing. Payton Thorne is back at quarterback, and he threw for 3,232 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The running game is what set the Spartans apart, though. Kenneth Walker III ran for 1,636 yards and 19 touchdowns. He is, thankfully, gone.

I fully expect Jordan Simmons to take the starting job at running back for Michigan State. He was the Spartans’ second-leading rusher in 2021 with 278 yards. Overall, I think Michigan State will have a good offense this season.

One thing Illinois might be able to attack is Michigan State’s defense. Shockingly, the Spartans gave up 25.3 points per game in 2021, which ranked No. 54 in the country. They are vulnerable on defense.

Even though the Spartans gave up some points last season, they are still returning talent to the defense. The biggest blow to their depth comes on the defensive line. Michigan State lost two of their top three leaders in sacks.

I think Illinois might be able to run the ball against Michigan State. With so much talent gone from their defensive line, the Illini can use their deep backfield to pound the rock. I also believe, that since Illinois’ pass defense is strong, they can match up well against Thorne. With the running back situation unsteady for the Spartans, this could be the upset Illinois needs to get them bowl-eligible.

Illinois wins – 30-24

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