The wait is over and today is officially game day in Champaign! After a months-long wait, football is back at Illinois as the Illini take on their first opponent of the season, American Conference foe UAB. While this may look like a "cupcake" matchup, the Blazers are not a team to overlook, and with a lot of new faces in new places at Illinois, Bret Bielema needs to have his team on their A-game.
The biggest narratives of this game will be how the offense looks now that it is led by ECU transfer quarterback Katin Houser and how new defensive coordinator Bobby Houck will have the defense looking in its new defensive scheme.
The Illini have a favorable line going into Week 1, but they aren't as big of favorites as some might expect them to be.
Final odds for UAB vs. Illinois in Week 1
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- UAB: +27.5
- Illinois: -27.5
Moneyline
- UAB: +1600
- Illinois: -4500
Total
- O/U: 54.5 (-110/-110)
The line actually moved a point in favor of UAB, from 28.5 to 27.5, which now makes Illinois less than a four-touchdown favorite over the Blazers.
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Illinois' offense will be one to watch vs. UAB in Week 1 matchup
It's not like Illinois is going to face the top defense in the country this week, but the performance put on by the offense will be key. If Illinois' offense struggles against he Blazer's, that could spell bad news for the rest of the season. There obviously is an adjustment period on the field, especially with a new quarterback under center, but the Illini need to build a commanding lead.
The offense has taken some hits in fall camp, especially in the pass-catching game. Injuries started to pile up for the Illini towards the end of fall camp, with the biggest one being to FAU transfer Jayshon Platt. The depth for wide receiver and tight end also took hits with both Alex Perry and BJ Thurman going down with season-ending injuries.
Platt's return is still unknown, but he will definitely miss Week 1. Platt was a standout in fall camp, showing great speed, and was a new look at receiver for the Illini alongside vets Collin Dixon and Hudson Clement. Freshman Brayden Trimble is expected to fill the role of Platt, receiving a lot of great buzz from coaches and teammates.
The offense should hopefully gel, but it might take time, making this a bit of a closer game in the first half than fans will want. Illinois should walk away with the win, running away with it in the second half, especially once the defense settles in.
Bielema is going for a third straight season of nine or more wins at Illinois, and it should start on a high note against UAB. Then, it is on to Duke in Week 2.
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