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

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the second quarter in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the second quarter in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 22: An Illinois Fighting Illini football is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 22: An Illinois Fighting Illini football is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Week 11 – Illinois at Iowa

Somehow Iowa fields a competitive team every season. Last season, Illinois got the best of the Hawkeyes 9-6. Iowa welcomes in the Illini this season on Saturday, November 18 at a time that is still to be determined.

Iowa’s passing game has been pretty bad the past few seasons, with the pinnacle of ugly last season. As a team, Iowa threw for 2,047 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. That crew is gone now. In steps Michigan transfer, Cade McNamara. Just two years ago, McNamara threw for 2,576 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions for Michigan. Now he looks to shoot life into a lifeless Hawkeyes offense.

Iowa does get back its top two running backs, Kaleb Johnson and Leshon Williams, from last season. They only rushed for a combined 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns, though. The Hawkeyes did lose its top pass catcher in tight end Sam LaPorta. He is going to be a big missing piece for this offense.

In 2022, Iowa gave up just 14.2 points per game, which ranked No. 3 in the country. That defense had some key departures. They lost linebacker, Jack Campbell, which is a massive hole to fill.  Iowa also lost two out of the top four players in tackles. But they also return three out of the top four players in sacks and three out of the top five in interceptions.

  • Prediction – Illinois beats Iowa, 21-13

McNamara is definitely an upgrade at quarterback for the Hawkeyes, but I just don’t think he will be an All-Big Ten type of player. Iowa’s running game was lackluster in 2022, and that probably won’t change much this season either.

I expect Illinois’ offense to be able to score a little more against Iowa this season. I think more than nine points is achievable. Iowa will probably score more than six points as well. I think this is another close game, but the Illini have too much talent to fall short in this contest.

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