Illinois Football: Game-by-game prediction of the 2023 Illini season

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Brett Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

The 2023 Illinois football season is right around the corner, and it is time to start predicting where we will finish.

Coming off an 8-4 campaign in 2022, the Illini fanbase is hungry for more. We haven’t had a consistent winner in a long time, and the 2022 campaign could be the start of something special.

Looking at 2023, Illinois draws a favorable schedule. We don’t have to play Ohio State or Michigan, which is a rarity. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity.

Here is the game-by-game prediction of the 2023 Illinois football season

Week 1 – Illinois vs. Toledo

Illinois takes on the Toledo Rockets in week one of the season. This game will take place on Saturday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Toledo returns a lot of talent from its 9-5 campaign last year. Dequan Finn is back under center after he threw for 2,260 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Leading rusher Jacquez Stuart is also back after rushing for 770 yards and four touchdowns. And leading wide receiver Jerjuan Newton returns to the Rockets after having 53 receptions for 830 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022.

In 2022, Toledo had a solid offense, putting up 30.8 points per game. But they didn’t excel in any one aspect. The Rockets ranked No. 70 in the country in pass offense and No. 49 in rush offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, Toledo gave up 27 points per game, which ranked No. 61 in the country in 2022. This was a little skewed by the 77 points they gave up against Ohio State, but the Rockets’ defense wasn’t great.

Prediction – Illinois beats Toledo, 45-10

The strength of the Toledo offense is running the ball. I believe Illinois has one of the best front sixes in the nation. I think we destroy the Rockets’ ground game.

While Toledo had a solid pass defense in 2022, their rush defense only ranked No. 60 in the country. Look for this to be a coming-out party for Reggie Love III.

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