Game-by-game prediction for the Illinois football 2024 season
We are so close to the Illinois football season starting. It is just mere weeks before Eastern Illinois comes to Champaign.
The 2024 campaign is a big year for the Illini. After winning eight games in 2022, Illinois followed that up by notching five wins and missing a bowl game in 2023.
Things need to get back on track. Another struggle campaign, and not only will confidence start dwindling, but so will the security of the head coach position.
I think Illinois will have a nice rebound season, though. We have plenty of talent to win games, not let’s have that talent translate into victories.
Here is the game-by-game prediction for the Illinois football 2024 season
Game 1: Illinois Football vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers (Win – 42-17)
The first game of the season for the Illinois football program is against Eastern Illinois. The Panthers are in the FCS, so this shouldn’t be too tough of a game.
Pros
Eastern Illinois only played one game against an FBS program in 2023, and they were trounced by Bowling Green, 38-15. That was a middle-of-the-pack MAC program, so having to go up against a decent Big Ten team should be even worse for the Panthers.
The Panthers’ defense wasn’t great in 2023 either. In that Bowling Green game, they allowed quarterback Connor Bazelak to throw for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Eastern Illinois has a major weakness through the air, and that is going to be great for Luke Altmyer.
Cons
Eastern Illinois does return a lot of talent from an 8-3 program in 2023. Their leading quarterback and running back are both returning. Quarterback Pierce Holley threw for 2,723 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions last season.
MJ Flowers could be dangerous on the ground for Eastern Illinois as well. He rushed for 852 yards and eight touchdowns while having a 5.4 yards per carry average.
Final
Illinois has a lot of talent coming back to the program, especially on offense. Altmyer should have his way with the Eastern Illinois secondary.
While I think Flowers could get going on the ground, Illinois’ improved defensive backfield could give Holley troubles. He can throw interceptions, so I expect multiple picks by the Illini secondary. This game could get out of hand in the second half.