With only three games left in the season, the Illini (6-3, 3-3) still have a journey ahead. Two weeks ago, one could confidently say the Illini would win their last four games and end the season 10-2. But things have changed after back-to-back losses against Oregon and Minnesota.
However, there is still hope. With three games left and a bowl game in mind, here are the predictions for the remainder of Illinois’ season.
Michigan State at Memorial Stadium Nov. 16: Win
Nov. 16 is the last time the Illini will play at Memorial Stadium this season. It’s also their senior day. Both teams will enter this matchup on a two-game losing streak. The Spartans (4-5, 2-4) have struggled this year but should have their starting quarterback ready to play after an injury.
Comparing quarterbacks, Illinois’ junior Luke Altmyer has twice as many touchdowns as Michigan State’s sophomore Aidan Chiles. On top of that, Altmyer has thrown three interceptions compared to 11 from Chiles. While Altmyer hasn’t performed his best the past three games, Illini fans are optimistic he can turn things around for the remainder of the year.
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Given the Spartans’ lackluster performances this year, the Illini’s chances of getting their potential seventh win of the season are high.
At Rutgers Nov. 23: Loss
While fans would hope the 2024 Illini could beat a 4-4 team that is 1-4 in the conference, the Illini are projected to lose to the Scarlet Knights. However, this matchup will certainly be interesting. The Scarlet Knights started their 2024 campaign strong with four straight wins to begin the year, but they’ve fallen off hard.
This game could truly go either way. Altymer is a statistically better quarterback than senior Athan Kaliakmanis, but Rutgers’ main advantage will come from Illinois’ weaknesses — rushing the football. Junior running back Josh McCray is the leader for the Illini with 71 carries, 330 yards and four touchdowns. However, Rutgers’ senior running back Kyle Monangai rushes circles around McCray. Monangai has 172 carries, 931 yards and 10 touchdowns under his belt.
It’s no secret that the Illini struggle with rushing yards. This game could result in a win for the Illini, but it will not be smooth if they struggle in the run game. It will also be Illinois’ first away game in nearly a month, and going into new territory is never easy.
At Northwestern Nov. 30: Win
The Illini should theoretically end their regular season on a high note with a win against the Northwestern Wildcats. The chances of Illinois winning this game depend on if they win one or two of their games before this one.
Illinois tends to regress toward the end of its seasons. If they can change the pattern this year, they could easily end their season with a win and gain momentum for the bowl game. When the Illini played the Wildcats in 2022 for their final regular season game, they came out victorious. That year, the Illini were bowl-eligible but lost their bowl game. The Illini also faced a close loss at home to the Wildcats last year, so it depends on which version of the Illini shows up.
If Illinois utilizes its passing game well, and if Altmyer can muster up the confidence he had at the beginning of the season, this should be a final conference win for the team. Again, the team needs to stay on track and not fall apart at the end of the season.
Bowl game: somewhere south
Regardless of how Illinois performs, they will return to a bowl game. With a month to go until official announcements, all that is said now is projections.
With the new 12-team playoff starting this year, four Big Ten schools could make their way into the playoffs. It leaves some more notable bowl games open for the Illini.
The Illini will likely face an ACC or SEC school for their bowl game. Projections consider the Illini for Duke’s Mayo Bowl, the Music City Bowl or the Citrus Bowl. For the Mayo Bowl, Illinois could face an ACC competitor like Louisville. For the Music City Bowl, Illinois could face an SEC competitor like the thriving Vanderbilt team. Or Illinois could find itself playing a school like Missouri at the Citrus Bowl. No matter where the Illini go, they can hopefully put up a fight against these fierce competitors if they tap into their play from the first six weeks.
Illinois has not won a bowl game in 13 years. This season is the chance for Illinois to prove itself as a force on the field.
