Down The Drive Staff Predictions; Illinois

Jeff Gentil: While Illinois struggled with Southern Illinois, UC was off trouncing Purdue.  Should be a walk in the park for the Bearcats this week, right?  Well, a true road game at a Big Ten opponent is not often going to be a cakewalk.  Illinois, on paper, is terrible.  UC is more talented and (hopefully) Brendon Kay will see more action.  But I still can't see this one getting as much out of hand as Purdue, so I'll keep it somewhat closer and say Bearcats with a business-like 27-17 win in Champaign with the only reason it isn't a blowout being that it's on the road.

Matt Dumont: Unlike Purdue, Illinois has an experienced and competent quarterback and is also playing at home. They also have consistency with the coaching staff from last year to this year. Even though last years Illini team was 2-10 and they barely beat SIU in week one, I expect this game to be close. I think for 3 quarters it stays within 3 or so points. In the 4th I expect the depth to show, which I'm giving the edge to the Bearcats in that area. 31-20 UC.

Matt Opper: Illinois will give the Bearcats more of a run with their offense than Purdue did, but there are still glaring holes all over their secondary that can be exploited by the Bearcats offense. I think that UC is able to get consistent pressure on Nathan Scheelhaase which limits his effectiveness. The Bearcats offense goes after the secondary early and often in route to a 35-17 win.

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