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Illinois Football: Top 5 most baffling ESPN Analytics predictions for 2023

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 5, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema reacts to a call against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema reacts to a call against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Illinois vs. #7 Penn State

  • ESPN Analytics Prediction: Illinois 27.9%, Penn State 72.1%

The first of the two ranked opponents Illinois will play in 2023 is Penn State. This matchup will take place in week three, as the Illini look to shock in the world in the national rankings.

Penn State alone has a powerful name. This is one of the big boys of the college football world, and just that fact will give the Nittany Lions an edge in the predictions. I think Penn State is way too heavily favored, though.

Illinois didn’t play Penn State last season, but they were a great program. They only had two losses and both were against top-five Michigan and Ohio State. A big part of the team’s success in 2022 was quarterback, Sean Clifford.

Clifford threw for 2,822 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions last season. Those are impressive numbers. Those numbers are also not on the team anymore. Clifford is in the NFL, and I believe Penn State is looking at taking a step back.

Penn State will still have a great defense, and I think Nicholas Singleton will be able to run the ball well. The kid averaged 6.8 yards per carry in 2022. But having a big-time quarterback like Clifford depart is going to hurt the team.

I believe Illinois is going to be able to compete against Penn State. This will be a good game. I also predicted that we will fall to the Nittany Lions. But I think it will be competitive. We have a chance, unlike what the ESPN Analytics says.

Changed Prediction: Illinois 43.1%, Penn State 56.9%

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