Illinois Football takes on an SEC foe in Week 10 Bowl Predictions

Illinois Football Projected to Face SEC Opponent in Nashville

Despite a blowout loss to No. 1 Oregon in Eugene, Illinois Football remains in the AP Top 25 (No. 24) for a remarkable seventh consecutive week. This season marks Illinois’ first extended streak in the rankings since 2001, when quarterback Kurt Kittner led the Illini to an outright Big Ten Championship, finishing at 10-2 (7-1). With games against Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, and Northwestern ahead, Illinois has a realistic path to reach double-digit wins for the first time since that notorious 2001 season.

Adding to the nostalgia of Ron Turner’s 01 team, the 2024 Fighting Illini may soon face a familiar SEC powerhouse. Could history repeat itself for Illinois Football?

Prediction

According to the latest bowl projections from Sports Illustrated, Illinois is slated to face Brian Kelly and the No. 16 LSU Tigers in the Music City Bowl. If this prediction holds true, Illini fans would certainly have the convenience of a short drive to Nashville. Could Illinois Football have a shot at payback for their 47-34 loss in the 2001-02 Sugar Bowl?

 Notes On the LSU Tigers

Head Coach: Brian Kelly

Current Record: 6-2 (3-1 in SEC)

SEC Ranking: 3rd 

Best Win: (#9) Ole Miss 29-26 

Worst Loss: USC

Brian Kelly’s squad is currently 3rd in the hunt for an SEC title at 6-2 (3-1). However, despite an impressive win over No. 19 Ole Miss, the Tigers haven not had many tests thought 8 games.

Current W/L Record: (4-4) USC, 27-20 Loss — (4-4) Nicholls State, 44-21 Win — (4-3) South Carolina, 36-33 Win — (2-5) UCLA, 34-14 Win  — (4-4) South Alabama, 42-10 Win — (6-2) Ole Miss, 29-26 Win — (5-3) Arkansas, 34-10 Win — (7-1) Texas A&M 38-23 Loss

With #14 Alabama, Florida, Vanderbilt, and Oklahoma remaining, LSU has a huge opportunity forward. If they can win out, a College Football Playoff spot is certainly possible. However, barring a loss or two, the Tigers could very well meet the Fighting Illini for a party in Nashville.

Oct 26, 2024  Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

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