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The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/RJEP22 on 2024-07-05 13:44:46+00:00.
WE’RE GOING THROUGH EACH P4 TEAM’S SCHEDULE AND PICKING EVERY GAME.
Today we have the Illinois Fighting Illini
Through three years, Bret Bielema has been solid in Champaign, going 18-19 with a bowl game appearance in 2022. He has avoided disaster, but will Illini fans accept fighting for a bowl game every year, or will they eventually get restless and want more.
There’s no more Big Ten west and Illinois will end up facing the big boys more often, but they do avoid Ohio State this year.
On the surface, if this team can replace losses on the D-line, hit on their offensive transfers, and get another step out of Luke Altmyer, this schedule could have 8-4 written all over it.
If you punt on the Michigan, Oregon, and Penn State games, Illinois have a very gettable schedule. Kansas and Nebraska will be their next toughest opponents and those are games Illinois will fully expect to compete in. I have them losing both but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they are able to take down Kansas at home.
In conference they have a home slate of beatable teams in Purdue, Minnesota, Michigan State. Taking advantage of that along with their FCD and G5 non-conference games, this team will only need one win away from home to make a bowl.
I think it will all come down to the final 2 weeks, with trips to Rutgers and Northwestern. I see the rivalry game at the temporary lakeside stadium as the more promising matchup. If Illinois can get that game then they are bowl bound. If they’re able to beat Kansas at home as well then Bielema and Co. would have put together a very nice season.
How do you see it?