That's basically like if we last year lost to Purdue and turned around and beat Oregon.
2025 Season Predictions Thread
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lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Who would have had us beating Michigan (the defending champs) and losing to Minnesota last year?Going 8-4 which includes beating Ohio State and losing to Maryland...
Exactly. Always seem to lose a home game that they shouldn’t.
Minnesota went 8-5 last year. I think everyone knew they'd be solid. Maryland is legitimately in the running for worst team in the league
Ohio State is also significantly more talented than last year Michigan - very possibly the #1 team when we play them (need to win Texas).
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I know they've been more up and down in recent history but it's wild to me to see so many fans penciling in USC as a win, even if it is at home.
Just because they are doesn't mean its a good thing. IMO the second or third hardest game on the schedule. We've historically struggled with speed and athleticism on the perimeter - their offense mirrors a lot of Oregon last year.
I frankly see it much more likely we keep losing to Purdue than a home game vs Maryland. Bottom line, if we're losing either of those games we're not beating Ohio State.
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TheFlyingIllini1317
- Chicago, IL
I'd see Rutgers as more of that type of loss. I think they are underrated and want revenge from last year.
Minnesota and Michigan had the exact same record last season.
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It's a game you'll have to win in the trenches. They'll no doubt have the advantage on the outside, but Illinois is the better team on the LOS.
band camp
- STL City
Gophers won the mayo bowl as well.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Okay fine.
In 2021, we beat 9-4 Minnesota, but lost to 5-8 Rutgers.
In 2022, we beat 9-4 Minnesota and 8-5 Iowa, but lost to 4-8 Indiana and 5-7 Michigan St.
In 2023, we beat 8-5 Maryland, but lost to 4-8 Purdue.
Plus, each of those records were impacted by the games they played against us. 9-4 Minnesota would've been 10-3 had we lost. 5-8 Rutgers would've been 4-8 had we won, etc.
So there are games each year where we beat better teams than we lose to.
I don't personally see us beating Ohio St and losing to Maryland this year, but it's possible.
Illini92and96
- Austin, TX
8-4. Historically good season.
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
It is so hard to compare this team to our history because things are so different now. We'd have to reason to be upset at 8-4, but I very easily see 9-3. 10-2 could happen if the team fights for it. 11-1 or 12-0 would take a lot of fight and a bit of good fortune.
Unexpected things do happen in sports from time to time.
I can measure how far this program has progressed by predicting a 9-3 regular-season record...and then saying I'd be a bit disappointed with that result. I can recall not that long ago when just playing competitive games in the B1G was considered a step in the right direction. I can remember Sugar and Rose bowl appearances...followed by regression. I am really thankful to have a team that offers so much hope for an exciting season with players whose public comments and overall demeanor makes them even more fun to follow.
We are as well, right?
Wtf did I just read
It’s like someone filling out 30 NCAA brackets and using every possible scenario.
Where is yours?
9-3 or 10-2. If we avoid significant Injury on OL and Luke stays healthy I'll take 10-2..We will drop 2 of 3 of either Indiana, USC or Ohio St. The Staff view those 3 as the hardest games on the schedule.
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