Illinois Football: What is next for the Illini after falling to Michigan State

The Illinois football team picked up its second loss of the season on Saturday, but the Orange and Blue still control its own destiny.

After suffering a 23-15 loss to Michigan State yesterday, the Illini are still on track to win the Big Ten West and seek its first-ever Big Ten Championship appearance.

What lies ahead for the Illinois football team?

A tight race for the Big Ten West title just got even tighter.  With three games remaining in its regular season slate, Illinois (7-2, 4-2 BIG) has a one-game advantage over Iowa, Purdue, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, which are all tied for second place at 3-3.

Next week’s home finale vs. Purdue will be a major indicator as to where the Illini really stand as bowl season approaches.

A win would give the Illini a two-game advantage and the tiebreaker over Purdue, leaving just Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin in contention.  A loss would drop Illinois to second in the west and give Purdue the tiebreaker. A loss would also give Purdue a more attractive bowl game, such as the Orange Bowl.

Following the Boilermakers, the Illini will play its toughest game of the year, at No. 5 Michigan, and then close the season out at Northwestern, who just gave No. 2 Ohio State a run for its money in Saturday’s whirlwind.

Win two of the final three and Illinois will be headed to Lucas Oil Stadium to play the winner of the Big Ten East. That would likely result in a battle for the Illibuck on a national stage.

What potential bowl games is the Illinois football team looking at?

Rose Bowl

This is obviously the most intriguing possibility for Illinois.  The Orange and Blue would need to win its final three and put up a respectable fight in the Big Ten Championship to be a lock for this one.

As of now, Michigan is set to be the Big Ten member to play in this one, so the Illini must storm into Ann Arbor and knock off the Wolverines if they want a ticket to Pasadena.

A long shot, but possible.  Never say never.

Orange Bowl

The Orange Bowl is played between an ACC team and either an SEC or Big Ten team.

Where things currently stand, this is likely the most realistic possibility.  The Illini would need to win the West and at least two of its final three (or four) to be in consideration.

Penn State and Purdue are Illinois’ two biggest threats to making this one.  Beat Purdue next week, and that’s one less team to worry about.

Citrus Bowl

The Citrus Bowl in Orlando is played between an SEC member and a Big Ten member.  As of right now, Illinois is projected to compete in this one vs. Ole Miss.

If either Purdue or Penn State finishes the year above Illinois, the Illini will likely be headed to Orlando.