Game-by-game prediction for the Illinois football 2024 season
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.