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

Thank you for Reading Armchair Illini.

Armchair Illini is proudly sponsored by Uncle Fluffy’s Beard Company, the top specialty boutique for homemade beard balms and oils in the state of Illinois. Check out the vast selections of Organic products here to keep your facial hair healthy, tame, and smelling great.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!