Writing Illini
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 12
Next
Illinois football
Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; General view of the Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second quarter against California Golden Bears at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 7 – Illinois at Maryland

The seventh game of the season will be a tough one for Illinois. The Illini travel to Maryland to take on the Terrapins on Saturday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. CT or 2:30/3:00 p.m. CT.

Illinois finally runs into a Big Ten team that returns most of the talent on its roster. Maryland will enter the game with its starting quarterback, Taulia Tagovailoa, looking to have another big year. He threw for 3,008 yards, 18 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2022. I expect him to be sensational this season.

The Terrapins also return its top three running backs and top wide receiver and tight end for the 2023 campaign. That is a lot of firepower coming back, although, three out of the top four wide receivers did depart the program. I still think Maryland’s passing game, which ranked No. 38 in the country in 2022, is locked and loaded this season.

Maryland also had a talented defense last season, which ranked No. 34 in points allowed, No. 51 in passing yards allowed, and No. 37 in rushing yards allowed per game. This defense returns the top four players in tackles, two out of the top six in sacks, and two out of the top three in interceptions.

  • Prediction – Illinois loses to Maryland, 28-17

Going on the road in the Big Ten is always tough, let alone against a good team. Maryland has a squad this season that could compete to get into the Big Ten Championship game.

Illinois’ offense could struggle against the Terrapins. They have a good rush defense, only allowing 133.8 yards per game in 2022. On top of that, Tagovailoa will probably be in the Heisman Trophy discussion at this point in the season. He is going to be able to take advantage of a young Illinois secondary. This is going to be a tough game for the Illini.

Home/Illinois Football