Illinois Football to face familiar face in recent Bowl Predictions

Week 9 Projections: Illinois Football to Face ACC Opponent

Illinois Football surged to No. 20 in this week’s AP Rankings following a commanding home victory over the Michigan Wolverines. The critical 6th win additionally secured early bowl eligibility for the Fighting Illini in the mid-weeks of October.

An impending matchup with #1 Oregon provides a golden opportunity for the Illini to pull off, yet another, major upset to boost their current resume. Remarkably, the College Football Playoffs still remain within reach for Illinois, and a win over the Ducks would be key. However, there’s still a ton of schedule yet to play for the Fighting Illini, and a lot that can happen.

Regardless, the 2024 season is unfolding favorably for Illinois Football, and seemingly, they are on track to another relevant bowl game under Bret Bielema.

Week 9 Prediction

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players take the field before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

 Notes On the Louisville Cardinals

Head Coach: Jeff Brohm

Current Record: 4-3 

ACC Ranking: 9th 

Best Win: Georgia Tech 

Worst Loss: SMU (#22, 6-1)

Louisville is 4-3 this season under former Purdue Head Coach Jeff Brohm. Though the record is not overly impressive, the Cardinal’s schedule has been brutal thus far, as the Cardinals have faced 3 top-25 opponents (#22 SMU, #12 Notre Dame, #6 Miami) in just 7 games. Despite the tough start, Louisville has a highly favorable back end to their schedule. As long as the Cards can take care of business, they are staring down the possibility of an 8+ win season in Derby City.

Oct 19, 2024; Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

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