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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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Nov 24, 2018; Evanston, IL, USA; A detailed view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 4 – Illinois vs Florida Atlantic

Coming off a tough loss to Penn State, Illinois would need a game like Florida Atlantic. The Owls head to Champaign to take on the Illini on Saturday, September 23 with the game time to be determined.

Florida Atlantic could struggle this season. Its offense was sub-50 in points, passing yards, and rushing yards in 2022. They enter 2023 without the bright spot from last season, quarterback N’Kosi Perry. He graduated after throwing for 2,712 yards, 25 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Not a single player on the Owls’ roster threw a pass for the program last season. But they do have three out of the top four players in receiving yards returning. The top two running backs from 2022, Larry McCammon and Zuberi Mobley, both return this season. They rushed for a combined 1,538 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.

The thing that was troubling for the 5-7 Owls in 2022 was its defense. While they return the top four players in tackles and sacks, and three out of the top four players in interceptions, Florida Atlantic was bad on defense with these players last season.

Florida Atlantic would allow 28.2 points per game, which ranked No. 71 in the country. They also gave up 249.7 yards per game through the air and 191.5 yards per game on the ground, which ranked No. 93 and No. 106 in the country, respectively.

  • Prediction – Illinois beats Florida Atlantic, 48-10

This is a great get-right game. Illinois has a chance to blow the doors off Florida Atlantic. I don’t think this game will be much of a competition.

I see the Illini coming in and running all over the Owls. Reggie Love III should have over 100 yards, and this could be the first time we see freshman Kaden Feagin in the backfield in garbage time.

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