6. Illinois Fighting Illini 8-4 (6-3 Big Ten)
I have another shocker toward the top of the Big Ten. Illinois has an experienced team that has loaded up on offense. That should bode well for the win column.
- Biggest Wins: #9 Michigan
Illinois should have a good season for multiple reasons. One of those reasons is for the talent on the field. The other is that we don’t have a brutal schedule.
The first eight games are pretty rough. I think the biggest win of the season will be against Michigan when they head to Champaign. The Wolverines might be ranked at the time, but the Illini have a chance to change the course of the season with this win.
- Biggest Losses: #22 Kansas, @ Nebraska
I believe Illinois’ mental is going to be tested early on in the season. Kansas comes to town in the second game of the season. I have this marked as a close loss. Two games later, the Illini head to Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers have a good team, but Illinois should be able to compete. While I have this as a loss, it should be hard-fought. Dropping two out of the first four games is going to test Illinois’ resiliency. Staying focused and pushing forward will be crucial.
- Biggest Threats: Purdue, #9 Michigan
Illinois’ losses are obviously some of the biggest threats on the schedule in 2024. I have Kansas, Nebraska, Penn State, and Oregon beating the Illini this season.
I think there are two threats that I have Illinois beating. Purdue is always a thorn in our side regardless of how talented they are on the field. I also believe Michigan is another threat. Just their name sounds tough, but this is a must-win game if we want to get to eight wins.