Why Illinois Football must beat Michigan State in Week 11

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.

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