Illinois Football: 3 Predictions for Homecoming

3 Predictions For Illinois Football – Central Michigan

We are less than 48 hours from homecoming for the Fighting Illini, and Central Michigan is visiting town in hopes of spoiling the big party. Jim McElwain’s Chippewas are 1-1 after a slow start to the season, and looking to have a huge bounce-back game against Illinois Football.

If the Illini can snag the win, they will leave Memorial Stadium 3-0 for the first time since 2011. First, they must take care of business and put the Chippewas away.

Here is what I think is going to happen along the way.

Sep 7, 2024; Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Zakhari Franklin’s First Score

I’m probably going to keep calling this one until it happens…

Zakhari Franklin is such an impressive playmaker, and thus far, he has made himself a star in Champaign. Through 2 games, the talented wideout has hauled in 11 catches, for 127 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per play. Of course, including a highlight reel one-handed catch against the Kansas Jayhawks. The dude is a big play machine and does a great job of helping Illinois offense move the sticks.

The only thing that has evaded #4 thus far, is getting into the endzone. Zakhari has quickly become one of Luke Altmyer’s most reliable, and favorite passing options. I think he will get Franklin the ball a lot this week against the Chippewas struggling defense, leading to a score or two.

2+ Turnovers for Illinois Football

Chippewas quarterback Joe Labas is trying to recover his confidence, after throwing 5 interceptions to Florida International, in last weeks 52-16 loss. Undoubtedly, a really tough game for the former Iowa Hawkeye.

Now, Labas has to face a confident and excited Big Ten defense on the road. Certainly, that’s going to be a tough position to be in, and Illinois Football DC Aaron Henry is going to Capitalize. I would look for Illinois to find more creative way’s to get pressure on the quarterback in week 2. Furthermore, I believe Labas will be playing uncomfortable, and won’t hold the ball long enough to make good decisions.

Illinois defense leads the nation in turnover margin, and I’m confident they will add a couple more on Saturday. (9/14)

Score Prediction

Overall, I don’t think Illinois is going to have a problem against Central Michigan. The Chippewas have some talented pieces, but, a struggling transfer quarterback and a less-than-serviceable defense is not a great combination to win a lot of football games. Jim McElwain is a veteran coach, so Illinois certainly can’t sleepwalk into a win against this MAC opponent.  However, the Fighting Illini are pumped up after a huge win and should have a ton of momentum for this homecoming matchup. Illinois Football will walk away from Memorial Stadium with a big win t.

Illinois 45 – Central Michigan – 10

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