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Illinois poised to build on success of 2024, says ESPN analyst
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Illinois experienced the breakthrough it was hoping for last year, building to a 10-3 record in the 4th season of Bret Bielema leading the program. Now, things could get even brighter for the Illini.
Already, Illinois is being discussed as a potential College Football Playoff dark horse, and the pieces in play seem to back that up. The Illini are among the top teams in terms of returning production from last season, and the schedule is shaping up to be one of the more favorable slates in the entire Big Ten.
Add that together, and it’s not hard to envision the program getting back to 9 or even 10 wins in the regular season. ESPN’s Bill Connelly agrees, including Bielema’s group in his list of the teams poised to build on the success of last year.
According to Connelly, the fortune of Illinois in one-score games could get tested, but the schedule should also lend itself to bigger wins from the start. Here’s all of Connelly’s rationale:
Like Arizona State, Illinois could be another “improve on paper, regress in the win column” team depending on how long the good fortune in close games continues. But of the top four projected teams in the Big Ten, the Illini play only one and should win quite a few games by well more than one score. New go-to running back Aidan Laughery could enjoy a huge season, and if quarterback Luke Altmyer gets a good year from at least one transfer receiver — the most likely of the bunch: Hudson Clement (West Virginia) — this offense should be Illinois’ first top-50 attack in 15 years (!). I’m concerned about the remodeled defensive line, but coordinator Aaron Henry gets the benefit of the doubt. This should be a solid team.
Those numbers do not mean Illinois is poised to push for a league title. The latest Big Ten Championship odds feature the traditional heavy hitters at the top, with the Illini holding the 6th-best odds to win the B1G title. Fans can track those odds through the best Ohio betting apps.
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Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.