2018 Predictions

• Best Case: 9-3
• Worst Case: 2-10 (back to back 0-9 in league, Lovie Smith fired)
• Prediction: 4-8 (2-7)
• Link: https://bigtenandcounting.com/2018/07/20/2017-best-case-worst-case-prediction-illinois/

Where I Went Right

Well I totally NAILED their season mark as Illinois went 4-8 (2-7) in reality.  I had them beating Rutgers and Minnesota…the two league games they won.  I was dead on about Chase McLaughlin being one of the best kickers in the league.  I also was pessimistic about their defense being that good.  I pointed out their 90s ranking in total defense in 2017 and said it needed to get into the 60s for this team to really turn around much.  It didn’t.  In fact that unit ended 2018 even worse, sitting at 128th in total defense nationally.

Where I Went Wrong

Pretty much none of the skill position players I talked about amounted to much for Illinois.  Here is an example of how bad it was: the quarterback I thought would win the job in August actually transferred out in September.  Overall I was right that Illinois wasn’t very good, I just identified the wrong parts that weren’t very good.

Season-Defining Moment

Smoking Minnesota 55-31 to win their second league game a year removed from going 0-9 and pushing their mark to 4-5 with three games left to try and make a bowl.  Obviously they didn’t get the job done but Illinois football had a very faint pulse in the final month of the season for the first time in a while.

MVP

Chase McLaughlin, K – Dude remains amazing.  Another 100% season on PATs and he hit 20 of his 25 Field Goals, including a 54 yarder.

• Honorable Mention: Reggie Corbin was a 1,000 yard back who averaged 8.5 a carry, had 9 TDs and a big old doughnut in the fumble column.