Football
Why Illinois Football must beat Michigan State in Week 11
The Illini must win on November 16th.
Illinois Football has now lost two straight games. Though they are still bowl-eligible and no one expected them to beat number one Oregon, the Illini are in a precarious spot. If they do end up winning their final three games, they would find themselves at nine wins. Nine wins would be an outstanding accomplishment for a team that was projected to win five or six games. However, why is the vibe in Champaign so tense? Is it really time to panic when the bowl-eligible team loses against a formidable foe?
There may be no right answer, but it all starts with fan support and the chance of future success.
Fan Support
Illini fans have seen glimpses of special seasons fall flat many times in their lives. In 2021, Illinois football stood at 7-1 with talks of going to the CFP. However, they unfortunately ended the season 1-4. Ron Zook’s very talented 2011 team started the year 6-0 and lost their final six games. There has been significant momentum built this year, however, any misstep at this stage feels like a game-breaker. In fact, I fully expect the crowd vs Michigan State to pale in comparison to early-season sellouts.
Illinois Football needs NIL money
For the past two weeks, the Illini have been faced with a very obvious reality. They need more talent. Bret Bielema and his staff have coached up a very thin roster to six wins. However, if they are to compete consistently, they need the horses. That starts with the Illini’s NIL package and their transfer portal efforts. Brad Underwood and Illinois Basketball have done wonders with their NIL collective and have battled for NBA prospects. Josh Whitman has to find a way so that Bret Bielema can do the same. Otherwise, Illinois football will just end up falling by the wayside.
NIL will slowly build up under the leadership of Josh Whitman and Bret Bielema, however, that will not happen without wins. Six wins just will not get it done. Every win matters, and it starts in two weeks vs Michigan State.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini.
We at Armchair Illini are 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 array 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 [email protected]. 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!
-
Basketball2 days ago
Former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. Assigned to G-League Affiliate
-
Basketball3 days ago
Illinois Basketball: Previewing the marquee matchup vs Alabama
-
Football7 days ago
Former Illini Devon Witherspoon Creating a lasting Impression In Seattle
-
Football2 days ago
Illinois Football News: Week 13 Injury Report Update
-
Basketball6 days ago
Illinois Basketball: Three Takeaways from win over Oakland
-
Basketball5 days ago
Illinois basketball: Upcoming Opponent Alabama falls to Purdue
-
Basketball1 day ago
Illinois Basketball News: 2025 Commit Brandon Lee signs with the Illini
-
Basketball5 days ago
Illinois Basketball 2025 Signing Spotlight: SG Keaton Wagler