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.
Record: 1-0
Game 2: Illinois Football vs Kansas Jayhawks (Loss – 35-25)
This was a tough game for the Illini last season. We struggled against the Jayhawks but still made the score respectable toward the end of the game.
Pros
Illinois is now familiar with Kansas. We played them in 2023, and they have a similar cast coming back. This time around, we won’t be nearly as surprised to see what is coming at us. Bret Bielema will know how to game plan against the Jayhawks.
I also think a huge pro is the fact Luke Altmyer will have had more time under center. It was only Altmyer’s second game with the Illini last season when we played Kansas. That unfamiliarity with the offense can mean struggles, and it was apparent in 2023.
Cons
While Illinois is now familiar with Kansas and what is returning to the program, that could also be a negative for the Illini. Kansas is returning a lot of talent that torched us in 2023. What says they won’t do it again?
Jalon Daniels went for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception through the air. He also added 24 yards on the ground.
Kansas as a team rushed for 262 yards and two touchdowns. On top of that, Illinois lost the entire front three of the defensive line, one of which was an All-American. The Jayhawks could run all over us again.
Final
I think Kansas is going to be pretty good in 2024. They will likely start the season ranked. Illinois should be able to hang with them, but I see the Jayhawks winning this game.
Kansas has a dynamic offense that can pound the rock. Illinois’ front lines are much weaker than last season. This could be a frustrating game to watch because of the lack of ability to stop the run. I see a Kansas sweep of the Illini.
Record: 1-1
Game 3: Illinois Football vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (Win – 48-13)
Illinois is going to need a nice get-right game after the loss to Kansas. The Central Michigan Chippewas is the perfect solution.
Pros
Central Michigan was not a good team in 2023. They finished 5-7 overall but only played two power-four programs. They lost to Michigan State 31-7 and Notre Dame 41-17.
I think Kaden Feagin could have a field day against the Chippewas. They ranked No. 99 in the country in rush defense, and they gave up 4.7 yards per carry, which ranked No. 100 in the nation. Feagin is ready to have a breakout year as a starter, and he was able to average 4.6 yards per carry as a freshman.
Let’s not forget that Luke Altmyer can also run the ball at quarterback. He rushed for 282 yards last season.
Illinois’ defense could have a good day too. Bert Emanuel Jr. should start at quarterback for Central Michigan. He isn’t a throwing threat, as he had 286 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions last season. His best attribute is running the football, but I think Illinois’ front seven can shut that down quickly. We have smart edge linebackers who can keep contain.
Cons
I don’t really see a ton of cons in this game. Central Michigan’s running game could make an impact. Marion Lukes is back at running back, and he rushed for 737 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry in 2023.
Final
The only con for Illinois against Central Michigan should be neutralized. Illinois has the offensive firepower to put up a lot of points, so the Chippewas won’t be able to run the ball often as they try to play catch-up.
I like the matchup for Illinois defensively, and the Illini offense should see daylight all game long. Feagin will bust off big runs, and Altmyer should be able to pull the defense in with the run and then hit Pat Bryant or someone else over the top.
Record: 2-1
Game 4: Illinois Football at Nebraska Cornhuskers (Loss – 28-10)
There are some games on the schedule that could be determined by where the game is being played. Illinois has to go on the road against Nebraska, and that is tough.
Pros
We are now a year into the Matt Rhule experience, so Illinois knows what he is going to throw at us. We can game plan for his style of offense and what he will bring to the table defensively, unlike in last year’s loss.
While the Nebraska run defense is great, their pass defense is where teams can make up ground. Luke Altmyer saw success against the Cornhuskers through the air in 2023. He threw for 289 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. If Illinois wants a chance to beat Nebraska, Altmyer will have to have a great game.
Cons
There are a lot of cons with this matchup. First off, it is in Lincoln, Nebraska. That is always a nightmare.
Nebraska’s biggest weakness last season was the quarterback position. Illinois was able to take advantage of that fact. But they added Dylan Raiola from the class of 2024. He was the second-best quarterback in the class and the No. 7 player overall in the country. That scares me greatly.
The Cornhuskers also returned 71% of their production from last season and had a top 55 transfer portal recruiting class. This team got substantially better, and they beat us in 2023.
When it comes to the defense, they had one of the best defensive units in the country last season, and most of those players returned to the program.
Final
I see Illinois struggling against Nebraska. This is not a good matchup at all. Nebraska has the defense to be a contender in the Big Ten. They also have a coach that is one of the best in college football.
The only weakness Nebraska had the past decade was at quarterback. They fixed that issue by landing one of the best recruits in the country. If Altmyer can get going through the air, then Illinois has a chance to pull off this win. If he doesn’t, it could be a long day.
Record: 2-2
Game 5: Illinois Football at Penn State Nittany Lions (Loss – 27-13)
The early part of the Illinois schedule is tough. By season’s end, I could see Kansas, Nebraska, and Penn State all being ranked inside the top 25.
Pros
There isn’t a lot in the form of pros with this game. Penn State thrashed Illinois last season 30-13, and we didn’t play particularly well.
I think a pro could be the glimpse of success Kaden Feagin had against the Nittany Lions. He had four carries for 15 yards. That is 3.8 yards per carry, which was way over Penn State’s average of allowing 2.2 yards per carry last season.
Another pro is that Luke Altmyer has a ton of film on what not to do against Penn State. He was 15-of-28 for 163 yards and four interceptions in 2023. Now he knows what to correct.
I would say another pro is that Illinois’ defense played decently well against Penn State last season. Drew Allar threw for 208 yards and zero touchdowns while only completing 48.4% of his passes. Penn State only rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns as well.
Cons
Hmm, where do I start? Well, Penn State returns nearly everyone from 2023. 67% of their production is back, which includes Allar at quarterback and both leading rushers, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton.
Illinois lost the starting front three of the defensive line, so Penn State’s running backs could run wild. Allar should get stronger at quarterback, as he has another year under his belt and Penn State added wide receiver Julian Fleming from Ohio State.
Most of the Penn State defense that ranked No. 1 in rush defense and No. 11 in pass defense last season returns to the roster. That doesn’t bode well for the Illini.
Final
Much like the Nebraska game, I think everything rests on the shoulders of Altmyer. Illinois could have knocked off Penn State in 2023 if it wasn’t for the four interceptions that Altmyer threw.
I see Penn State locking down on defense once again, though. This game is in Happy Valley too, which is going to be so tough. I don’t see Illinois coming away with a win in this game.
Record: 2-3
Game 6: Illinois Football vs. Purdue Boilermakers (Win – 17-13)
After a pretty brutal first five-game stretch to start the 2024 season, the Illinois football team gets some relief. Purdue is a much-needed matchup in game six.
Pros
Kaden Feagin had one of his best games of the season last year against Purdue. He went for 85 yards and averaged 7.7 yards per carry. He is now a starter, so he should be able to eclipse the 100-yard mark this time around.
Illinois was able to throw the ball against Purdue as well. Luke Altmyer had 202 yards and a touchdown through the air. I think that will improve now that he has a year of playing against a Ryan Walters Purdue squad.
The Illini made Hudson Card look like an All-American last season. We have upgraded the secondary, so I don’t think that will happen again.
Cons
Purdue for some reason has Illinois’ number. They have won four in a row and seven out of the past eight in the matchup.
The Boilermakers are one of the few teams in the Big Ten to return their leading quarterback from the year prior. On top of that, Purdue had a top-30 transfer portal recruiting class, which featured some solid defensive backs.
Final
I think this could be a pretty close game. Purdue isn’t a bad team, but they are on the road against an Illini squad that is looking to get revenge.
Purdue has a decent offense and a good defense. Don’t be surprised if two quarterbacks throw a couple of picks, and whoever makes the least back-breaking mistake wins the game.
Record: 3-3
Game 7: Illinois Football vs. Michigan Wolverines (Win – 24-17)
When I saw this game on the schedule, I immediately panicked. This is the national title winner. But this isn’t the same team that just won it all months ago.
Pros
As I mentioned, this isn’t the same Michigan team we saw in the national championship. The Wolverines lost a ton of talent. They only return 36% of the production from 2023, which is worst in the Big Ten.
Michigan didn’t have a great transfer portal recruiting class either, barely getting inside the top 60 nationally.
It looks like Michigan will start Alex Orji in 2024. He has very little experience, throwing just one pass for five yards in his two years with the Wolverines. This could bode well for Illinois’ secondary.
The Wolverines also lost starting running back Blake Corum. He was one of the best running backs in program history.
Cons
Michigan still has talent. Running back Donovan Edwards has so much burst, and that is scary for an Illinois defensive line that is completely new to the starting rotation.
There are some key pieces that did return to the Michigan defense that ranked No. 2 in pass defense and No. 6 in rush defense. I fully expect the Wolverines to have a good defense once again.
Final
Offensively, this Michigan squad is not nearly as good as they were back in January. Illinois shouldn’t have too much trouble stopping them this season.
While the Wolverines' defense is good, I think Illinois’ offense has a good balance that can score enough and hold onto the ball long enough to cause frustration. I think Illinois has a legitimate shot at knocking off Michigan when this game rolls around.
Record: 4-3
Game 8: Illinois Football at Oregon Ducks (Loss – 45-21)
Welcome to the new Big Ten. The only team out of the four Pac-12 newcomers Illinois plays in 2024 is Oregon.
Pros
Oregon didn’t have a great pass defense in 2023. They gave up 228.5 yards per game through the air, which ranked No. 65 in the country.
With Luke Altmyer returning behind center, he should be able to throw all over the Ducks’ secondary. I think he plays a huge role in the game against Oregon.
There is a change at quarterback for the Ducks. Bo Nix is now in the NFL, and transfer Dillon Gabriel steps into the starting job. That is a bit of a downgrade for Oregon, albeit Gabriel is still pretty good.
Cons
Overall, Oregon is still a powerhouse program that didn’t get worse. They return 69% of their production from last season. Oregon also had the second-best transfer portal recruiting class, so they brought in a bunch of top talent that can play right away.
Oregon is also bringing the No. 10 rush defense in the country to the Big Ten. One of Illinois’ strengths should be the running game, and going up against a great run defense could spell trouble.
The starting lineup for the Ducks is extremely experienced as well. 17 out of the 22 starters on the offense and defense are seniors. That is a lot of talent that has played a lot of games in college.
Final
This game should be a struggle for the Illinois football program. I think Oregon has more talent from top to bottom, and there is a solid chance they are the best team in the country.
Illinois’ hopes rely on Altmyer being able to move the ball down the field. If he can get us some early scores, then we have a chance to keep this game close. Our defense could struggle mightily, though.
Record: 4-4
Game 9: Illinois Football vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (Win – 31-21)
After going on the road against what I believe is the best team in the country in Oregon, Illinois comes back to Memorial Stadium to start a nice finishing run to the 2024 campaign.
Pros
Illinois should have a chance to implement a nice balanced attack offensively. Last season, Minnesota ranked between No. 40 and No. 60 in both pass and rush defense.
Luke Altmyer saw great success too, throwing for 212 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Kaden Feagin also added 89 yards on the ground. Both players are back in the fold for the Illini.
Minnesota went through a change at quarterback. Their new starter is Max Brosmer, a transfer from New Hampshire. While Brosmer threw for 3,464 yards, 29 touchdowns, and five interceptions last season, he did that playing against lower competition like Townson and Rhode Island. He is now in the Big Ten, and Illinois should be able to eat him up.
Cons
The Golden Gophers do have some talent returning. Daniel Jackson is back at wide receiver after having 831 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. He is entering his fifth year with Minnesota.
Minnesota also returns 71% of the production from last season. On top of that, they had the No. 35 transfer portal class in the country. That is a lot of experience coming into the program.
Final
I think a lot of the issue Illinois had last season in the 27-26 win was that we let some bonehead plays go for big gains. We were the better team.
Illinois should be able to display a solid offense once again. We have the firepower and home-field advantage to take home another Big Ten win.
Record: 5-4
Game 10: Illinois Football vs. Michigan State Spartans (Win – 38-17)
The homestretch of the 2024 campaign is going to be vitally important to whether or not Illinois makes a bowl game. Having Michigan State on the schedule at home is always a positive.
Pros
Michigan State was not a good team in 2023. They floundered to four wins, and they only return 60% of the production this season. On top of that, their starting quarterback has departed.
Luke Altmyer should be able to do some damage against Michigan State this season. They averaged giving up 248.7 yards per game through the air last season, which ranked No. 98 in the country. Look for Altmyer to have multiple touchdown passes.
The Spartans don’t have much in the way of a running game either. While Illinois’ defensive line is new, Michigan State running back Nate Carter didn’t get much going on the ground in 2023. He had 798 yards and four touchdowns but only averaged 4.3 yards per carry.
Cons
While there is a quarterback change at the top, this could end up being a good thing for Michigan State. Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles is now the starter for the Spartans.
Chiles has thrown for 309 yards and four touchdowns in his career. He is a former four-star quarterback, so there is potential for Michigan State. The unknown is scary for the Illini.
Michigan State did hit the reload button too. While they only return 60% of the production from 2023, the Spartans went out and landed the No. 12 transfer portal recruiting class. That should give them a boost on the field.
Final
Michigan State has some nice new pieces, but they are still lacking defensively. I think Illinois can take advantage of a below-average Spartans defensive squad.
I fully expect this game to be one of the highlights of Altmyer’s season. He should be able to put up big numbers in a big conference win.
Record: 6-4
Game 11: Illinois Football at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Win – 20-9)
Two road games to end a season is always tough, but I think Illinois can go into Rutgers and play well. The Scarlet Knights are never an easy team to beat, though.
Pros
Rutgers didn’t improve greatly this offseason. A team that won six regular season games, including losing the last four, only ranked No. 108 in the transfer portal rankings this offseason.
Starting quarterback Gavin Wimsatt is gone. The new starter is projected to be Minnesota transfer quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis. I am here to tell you, that is not much of an upgrade if at all. In two seasons with Minnesota, Kaliakmanis threw for 2,784 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
Illinois’ defense should be able to feast on Kaliakmanis. He only completed 50% of his passes against the Illini last season.
Cons
The Scarlet Knights weren’t bad defensively last season. They had the No. 17 ranked pass defense, giving up just 189.1 yards per game through the air. I could see Luke Altmyer maybe having a tough time.
Rutgers didn’t give the ball up too often either. They only averaged 1.1 turnovers per contest, which ranked No. 26 in the country.
There is something about having most of your starting roster back too. Rutgers returns 72% of the production from last season, so they will be able to hit the ground running from day one.
Final
I just don’t believe in Kaliakmanis. Illinois is 2-0 when he plays against us, and he just doesn’t have the arm to be an extremely effective quarterback. I think Illinois’ defense does a great job in shutting him down in this game.
Illinois’ offense will end up doing enough to put points on the board too. This won’t be a great offensive game, but it will be an effective one.
Record: 7-4
Game 12: Illinois Football at Northwestern Wildcats (Win – 42-14)
The final game of the season is, of course, against Northwestern. Illinois fell two points short of the Wildcats in 2023, which would have put us into a bowl game. It is time for revenge.
Pros
Quarterback Ben Bryant is no longer with the Northwestern program. He threw for 234 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions against Illinois last season. He also rushed for 15 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, the Wildcats only return 59% of the production from 2023, which is fourth-lowest in the Big Ten. They didn’t bring in a lot of instant-impact talent either, as they had the No. 122 ranked transfer portal class for 2024.
Northwestern isn’t exactly bringing in a ringer at quarterback. Mike Wright is the projected starter, and in four seasons with Vanderbilt and Mississippi State, he threw for 2,520 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Illinois’ defense should be able to shut him down.
Offensively, Kaden Feagin should have a good day against Northwestern. They gave up 157.5 yards per game on the ground in 2023, which ranked No. 70 in the country. Feagin wasn’t healthy for the game last season, but Illinois’ starter had 23 carries for 106 yards. That can be matched in 2024.
Cons
I don’t see a lot of cons in this matchup. Northwestern doesn’t have a ton of talent, and the little talent they did have at quarterback departed the program.
If anyone does step up, it is probably running back Cam Porter. He ran for 651 yards and four touchdowns last season. With the Illinois defensive line being the weak point of the defense, that might be a point of attack for the Wildcats.
Final
Honestly, I think Northwestern could be one of the worst teams in the country in 2024. Not only do I think they finish at the bottom of the Big Ten, but I think they could struggle to get three wins.
Illinois’ offense should be able to drive up and down the field. We put 43 points on them last season, and we are healthier this time around. Look for this to be the eighth win of the season for the Orange and Blue.