Most Important Illini Football Games in 2024

The Best for Last

The 2024 Illini Football team is driven to be back in a bowl game, and to do so, they must be ready for the most important stretch of games on their schedule.

Bret Bielema’s crew faces a tough, yet winnable road ahead. Of course, it is dependent largely on where they have improved or regressed since 2023. To make things very interesting, the Illini do have to face off against the likes of Penn State, Michigan, and Oregon smack dab in the middle of the season. However, Illinois ends the year with what will go down as an extremely important 4-game stretch for the program. Certainly, not only important for Bret Bielema’s staff but, for the future of sustainability as the NCAA continues to evolve into a “dog eat dog” environment.

Can Illinois Football get to 6 wins? Here’s how they can.

Sep 8, 2023; Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Crucial 4-Game Stretch

Illini Football Schedule – 2024

8/28 vs Eastern Illinois

9/7  vs Kansas

9/14 vs Central Michigan 

9/20 @ Nebraska 

9/28 @ Penn State

10/12 vs Purdue

10/19 vs Michigan 

10/26 @ Oregon 

11/2 vs Minnesota

11/16 vs Michigan State

11/23 @ Rutgers

11/20 @ Northwestern (Wrigley Field – Chicago, IL)

The Illini round out the 2024 season against Minnesota, Michigan State, @ Rutgers, and @ Northwestern. Certainly, all winnable games for Illinois, barring injuries, or an all-out meltdown. If Illinois is warming up to their fullest potential, they will be able to have a chance to secure a bowl game during these final 4 games of the season. The goal would be to win 3 of 4 at minimum, and if Bielema’s crew can make that happen, the postseason will be within reach.

Prior to Then

Eastern Illinois and Central Michigan must be guaranteed wins in weeks 1 and 3 for the Illini.

Moving forward through the schedule, Nebraska and Purdue are certainly winnable, but, with a catch. Matt Rhule has a lot of positive buzz surrounding Nebraska Football going into 2024, with many outlets predicting 7-8 wins for the Huskers. Purdue, led by former Illini DC Ryan Walters, put a beat down on Illinois in 2023, winning 44-19 in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers have won all 4 of their last matchups vs Illinois, and have been a thorn in the side of the program. The Fighting Illini lost both matchups in 2o23, but, have an opportunity to turn the page. If they can do so, Bielema’s crew could be looking at a winnable 4-game stretch, with 3-4 wins already under their belt.

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