Illinois Football Bowl Projections: Illini to Face Alabama?

A Huge Bowl Game Prediction For Illinois Football

Illinois Football (6-3) is currently bowl-eligible following their second bye week of the season.

With three winnable games remaining, the Fighting Illini are poised to make a splash as they aim to finish the 2024 season strong. Looking ahead, (4-5) Michigan State, (5-4) Rutgers, and (4-5) Northwestern, present a real opportunity to close out the best season in Champaign since the Ron Zook era (2007 Rose Bowl Team). By doing so, Illinois could secure a spot in their 2nd relevant bowl game (2022) of the Bret Bielema era.

Based on week 12 bowl projections from The Action Network, Illinois could face an SEC powerhouse if they win out.

Prediction

According to the latest bowl projections from Bret McMurphy of The Action Network, Illinois Football could be celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Sunshine State. Week 12 predictions forecast Illinois Football heading south to Orlando to face the SEC Powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide, in the Cheeze-It Bowl.

Nov 9, 2024; Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Notes On the Alabama Crimson Tide

Head Coach: Kalen DeBoer

Current Record: 7-2 (4-2 in SEC)

SEC Rankings: 6th

Best Win: No. 2 Georgia 

Worst Loss: Vanderbilt 

First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer is determined to secure Alabama’s spot in the 2024 College Football Playoffs.

Currently ranked 11th nationally, the 7-2 Crimson Tide aim to close out a favorable schedule to remain within the top 12 by season’s end. With a matchup against FCS opponent Mercer ahead (9-1), followed by games against (5-5) Oklahoma and a struggling (3-6) Auburn team, Alabama undoubtedly appears well-positioned to make their final push.

However, while teetering on the edge of playoff eligibility, one misstep—or a resume-boosting win by another bubble team—could leave Alabama on the outside looking in.

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