
Well, it’s finally game week.
Nearly eight months after the Illini pulled off an “upset” against South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl, Illinois will be back on the field Friday night against Western Illinois (6:30 p.m., Peacock).
Will the Illini cover? What about some of the other big games in Week 1? Here’s my predictions (take them with a grain of salt!).
Illinois (-45.5) vs. Western Illinois
There’s no doubt in my
mind that Illinois won’t win this game, but I’m not sure 6.5 touchdowns is a good bet. Whether it’s been the Bielema era, or the Smith era, or the Beckman era, the Illini almost never put 50-60 points on the board, and that’s what would be needed against the Leathernecks on Friday.
No clue how this game shakes out — it could be five Altmyer touchdowns or three Feagin TD runs, or a couple pick-sixes by this awesome secondary.
But I just don’t see it adding up to a 55-9 win or something insane like that.
Give me 42-10, and let’s move on to Duke.
Duke (-33.5) vs. Elon
Speak of the (Blue) Devil.
Duke is a sneaky pick by many to make it into the CFP, so the game next week in Durham could have far-reaching impacts outside of non-conference play.
Manny Diaz’s team finished last season 9-4 and certainly has the ability to be even better in 2025. Darian Mensah was one of the best transfer QBs on the market, and I think he’ll want to put on a show in his first outing in blue and white.
I’ll take Duke and the points, 50-7 win. Next week is going to be a fight.
Wisconsin (-17.5) vs. Miami (Ohio)
As a Wisconsinite now, I’d love nothing more than to see the Badgers crumble this season. How fun would it be if the Redhawks pulled off the humungous upset to open the season at Camp Randall.
Miami 20, Wisconsin 17. Luke Fickell: A few weeks left.
Ohio State (-2.5) vs. Texas
This is probably the best matchup in Week 1 this season. Or maybe ever.
OSU with a freshman QB doesn’t strike me as ready for the moment. Texas 30, Ohio State 20.
What week one game are you most looking forward to?