Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: Everything the Illini need to make the College Football Playoff

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 13
Next
MANHATTAN, KS – OCTOBER 29: Running back Deuce Vaughn #22 of the Kansas State Wildcats runs to the outside against linebacker Mason Cobb #0 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS – OCTOBER 29: Running back Deuce Vaughn #22 of the Kansas State Wildcats runs to the outside against linebacker Mason Cobb #0 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

2. Kansas State gets tripped up again

  • Loss vs #24 Texas
  • or @ Baylor
  • or @ West Virginia
  • or vs Kansas
  • 3 losses – Eliminated

There are a few teams ahead of Illinois that have two losses this season. I think we jump Penn State and Utah regardless of what they do on the field. But Kansas State might be another story.

The Wildcats have wins over top 10 teams in Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. They ended up beating the Cowboys 48-0. I think there is a possibility Illinois can jump Kansas State without them doing anything, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the Wildcats get their third loss.

There are some big games coming up for Kansas State. The rest of their schedule is kind of tough. They have No. 24 Texas at home this weekend. That could easily be a loss. Kansas State then goes on the road and takes on Baylor and West Virginia. Both are tough teams to beat.

Kansas is the final game of the regular season. That is a rivalry game, and the Jayhawks have a solid team this year. Getting a victory there will be no easy task.

Illinois might be able to jump Kansas State by just winning out, but it wouldn’t hurt to see them lose a game down the stretch. This would guarantee the Illini a spot ahead of the Wildcats when it is all said and done.

Home/Illinois Football