Illinois Football Bowl Game Projections: Week 10

Illinois Football has positioned itself for an exciting November, with bowl eligibility now within reach and an opportunity to secure that all-important 6th win against Nebraska on Friday night.

Illinois enters Week 9 at 5-3 (3-2) overall after taking care of business on the road against Maryland last week, extending the Illini’s current win streak to 3 consecutive games. It’s been an important stretch for Bret Bielema’s crew, who have begun finding some consistency on both sides of the football after navigating a tumultuous beginning to the season.

However, the Illini’s recent momentum will be tested on Friday night against a Matt Rhule-led Nebraska program looking to find their footing and get back on track. The Cornhuskers also enter Friday’s matchup at 5-3 (2-3); however, they’re heading to Champaign looking to snap a 3-game losing streak. Following last week’s brutal 17-10 loss to Washington, Nebraska is in desperate need of a positive response. With bowl eligibility also within reach for the Huskers, expect them to come into Memorial Stadium ready for a fight.

Both programs have plenty riding on this matchup, making Friday night a significant opportunity for each program.

With 3 consecutive victories behind them, the Illini have good reasons to believe a strong finish is possible. Reaching 6 wins is the immediate goal, and great. Still, a strong November could help Illinois land a more appealing bowl destination with 7+ wins. 

With that in mind, here’s where ESPN, CBS Sports, and Sports Illustrated project the Illini to play come December.

Where ESPN, CBS Sports, and SI Project Illinois Football This Bowl Season

Following their win over Maryland, Illinois Football is gaining far more attention in this week’s round of bowl projections. With the Illini continuing to build momentum heading into November, several major national outlets have updated their postseason predictions and included Bret Bielema’s crew. Notably, the Frisco Bowl and Birmingham Bowl have emerged as two of the most common landing spots.

With that in mind, here’s where ESPN, CBS Sports, and Sports Illustrated currently project the Illini to play this postseason.

ESPN Week 9 Bowl Projections: Illinois Football Could Face Another SEC Opponent

Frisco Bowl: Illinois vs. Louisiana

Location: Frisco, Texas.

Projected by: Kyle Bonagura.

Birmingham Bowl: Illinois vs. Mississippi State

Location: Birmingham, Alabama.

Projected by: Mark Schlabach.

Read the full breakdown: ESPN’s Week 9 Bowl Projections.

CBS Sports Week 9 Bowl Projections

Frisco Bowl: Illinois vs. North Texas

Location: Frisco, Texas.

Projected by: Jerry Palm.

Read the full breakdown: CBS Sports’ Week 9 Bowl Projections.

Sports Illustrated Bowl Projections

First Responder Bowl: Illinois vs. Fresno State

Location: Dallas, Texas.

Projected by: Bryan Fischer.

Read the full breakdown: Sports Illustrated Week 9 Bowl Projections

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