The Illini will open the year under the lights on the first Thursday of September, and the stadium should be packed with Illinois fans. Illinois will be one of three Big Ten teams in action that night and should take care of business.
The Illini will be looking to win at least nine games for the third consecutive season. The schedule features a mix of manageable opponents, national championship contenders, and everything in between. Let's take a closer look at the schedule and predict each game.
Opening night should be an exciting one in Champaign as Illinois enters as a heavy favorite against UAB. The Blazers compete in the American Athletic Conference and simply shouldn't be able to match Illinois' talent level. The Illini are a 27.5-point favorite and should have little trouble cruising to a blowout victory. Fans will also get their first look at the new video board inside Memorial Stadium as Illinois starts the season 1-0.
Duke will be Illinois' first Power Four opponent of the season. The Illini will look to build on last year's 45-19 road victory over the Blue Devils.
Duke finished 9-5 last season and captured the ACC ******* le over Virginia, but the Blue Devils are expected to take a step back after quarterback Darian Mensah transferred to Miami along with second-team All-ACC wide receiver Cooper Barkate. Illinois is the better team and should defend its home field to improve to 2-0.
#stadium
The Illini will be looking to win at least nine games for the third consecutive season. The schedule features a mix of manageable opponents, national championship contenders, and everything in between. Let's take a closer look at the schedule and predict each game.
Opening night should be an exciting one in Champaign as Illinois enters as a heavy favorite against UAB. The Blazers compete in the American Athletic Conference and simply shouldn't be able to match Illinois' talent level. The Illini are a 27.5-point favorite and should have little trouble cruising to a blowout victory. Fans will also get their first look at the new video board inside Memorial Stadium as Illinois starts the season 1-0.
Duke will be Illinois' first Power Four opponent of the season. The Illini will look to build on last year's 45-19 road victory over the Blue Devils.
Duke finished 9-5 last season and captured the ACC ******* le over Virginia, but the Blue Devils are expected to take a step back after quarterback Darian Mensah transferred to Miami along with second-team All-ACC wide receiver Cooper Barkate. Illinois is the better team and should defend its home field to improve to 2-0.
#stadium
2 days ago
