Illinois football has work to do on Saturday to move to 5-1 on the season.
Purdue isn’t a juggernaut by any means, but the Illini can’t take them lightly. This victory is crucial in having any hopes of making the College Football Playoff.
While getting the dub is important, it would also be nice to see other teams helping Illinois. There are some games that I would keep an eye on that could end up elevating the Illini and getting us in a bright national spotlight.
Here are the top five crucial games Illinois football fans should keep an eye on in week 6
- No. 14 Iowa State vs Cincinnati
Illinois needs to move up in the rankings, and an Iowa State loss would help that cause.
The Cyclones dropping a game to an unranked Cincinnati program would surely drop them to sub-20 in the AP Top 25. The national media doesn’t look at Iowa State in a hugely favorable light, so when it comes down to the end of the season, I think Illinois can beat them out in perception.
- No. 9 Texas vs Florida
Most people probably would look at me sideways for putting this game on the list. Florida is 1-3, but they have a good defense.
I think the Gators could give Texas fits on Saturday. Arch Manning hasn’t looked great, and Texas’ run game isn’t anything to write home about. Look for Florida to compete, and if they can knock off the Longhorns and give them two losses, that could help Illinois down the road.
- Boise State vs No. 21 Notre Dame
Get Notre Dame out of my life. The Fighting Irish have two losses, and a solid Boise State team comes to South Bend on Saturday.
Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff hopes would be dashed if they fall to the Broncos. That would give them three losses with a below-average schedule the rest of the way out. They would also drop behind Illinois in the AP Top 25.
- No. 3 Miami vs No. 18 Florida State
This is an interesting game, as the perception of Florida State has changed in the past week.
After beating Alabama, the Seminoles fell flat against Virginia in week five. This loss dropped them to No. 18 in the country. Back-to-back losses would drop Florida State even further, and I would imagine Illinois jumps them.
- Mississippi State vs No. 6 Texas A&M
I am putting this matchup on the list, not for Texas A&M. The Aggies are a solid program, but I am keeping an eye on Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs are 4-1 with a close loss to a good Tennessee program. If they win on Saturday against No. 6 Texas A&M, then Mississippi State will jump Illinois. I don’t want that to happen. I want Texas A&M to take care of business.