The college football season opens tonight and as we do so, I have some crazy predictions for this year.
I wrote Tuesday about Illinois football and here are three crazy predictions for the Illinois football season:
Illinois will have 3 All-Big Ten athletes
In my preview for this season, I put out a number of guys I think are going to have excellent campaign’s. So pick three between LEO Carroll Phillips, DT Jihad Ward QB Wes Lunt, WR Geronimo Allison, LB Mason Monheim, OL Ted Karras. I think three of those guys show up on first or second team All Big Ten lists in the postseason.
- Illinois Will Force More Turnovers Than They Commit
In 2014, only four times in 13 games was Illinois in the plus-margin in turnovers. I think they double that this year.
I say that will be better because I outlined what should be a better pass rush on their defensive front, on top of a more experienced and deeper secondary.
Illinois must win the turnover battles.
Additionally, six times they were in the negative-margin in the turnover battle. A huge key for the Illinois defense this year will be getting off the field on 3rd and 4th down. Illinois opponents converted just better than 40% (42%) of their third down conversions.
- The Illini will win more Big Ten games than they lose
In three years under Tim Beckman and not since 2007 has Illinois had a winning Big Ten record. I say that changes this year.
Illinois’ Big Ten home games are Wisconsin, Nebraska, Ohio State, Northwestern (@ Soldier Field - however much of a “home game” that is).
Illinois’ Big Ten away games are @Penn State, @Iowa, @Purdue, @Minnesota.
At Memorial Stadium in Big Ten games, I’m going to say Illinois goes 1-2. I really want to say Illinois goes 2-1 but obviously Ohio State is a sure fire loss, and I think Illinois might just have enough to beat both Wisconsin and Nebraska, who I might remind you, are under first year coaches. (I guess technically so is Illinois) Overall I think Illinois ends up at 2-2 in home games.
The road schedule is brutal for the Illini but I think they get wins at Iowa, Purdue, and I’m going to go back on what I said in my preview and say they will beat Minnesota again. After all, this is my crazy prediction segment, so let’s get crazy!
There you go friends. Bash away!
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