Their QB is a redshirt freshman, so unless he is hitting the portal I'm not sure why he wouldn't play. I could see Sanders sitting out since he is a senior. I live in Charleston so have seen every one of their games on TV - they are legit and if the selection committee were to rely on recent results they would be a lock for the playoff
Bowl / Playoff Projections
- Status
Who would we prefer to face Bama or SC?
Also love that Illini are being used in the same sentence as Bama even if they had a down year. Down year being not play for a national championship, lol
Also love that Illini are being used in the same sentence as Bama even if they had a down year. Down year being not play for a national championship, lol
Sounds like Michigan is going to be in the Reliaquest bowl.
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
That would be a move designed solely for the large Michigan fan base. In no way should they jump Iowa in the bowl pecking order.
Iowa should be a lock for Tampa.
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Ok have you committed to Illinois yet?
Yes Iowa should be a lock based off pecking order but the bowl committees can select whoever they want. Michigan is only a game back of Iowa and they are a bigger name.
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Unfortunately for me, I don't think I'm good enough to get any minutes for the Illini this season
Agreed. The bowls can take whoever they want. It's also why who we would face in the Citrus is so up in the air as they aren't locked into CFP end of season ranking and there are several SEC teams with 9-3 records. Taking Michigan over Iowa though is a weird one in my opinion as not only does Iowa have the better record, but their fanbase travels well. If this was between an 8-4 Minnesota and 7-5 Michigan, sure, but Iowa? Seems unnecessary. They last had Iowa in 2019 and Michigan in 2018, so nothing with nothing there either. Odd reach if true.
If it's Ole Miss - they would have a lot of opt outs it would seem - they have tons of draft prospects on their team include QB - so that is likely our best chance for a win - plus the Lane Kiffin angle would be fun to watch
Ole Miss may end up in the Gator Bowl. All depends on what happens in the games this weekend.
One more, right here!
I agree, a club would be fun!USC is my second rooting interest, so I'm highly conflicted over the prospect of the Illini facing them in a bowl game. Would be a bittersweet outcome for me, regardless!
Same here, graduated from both schools and follow both closely. Really hoping for a match up because it would be a lot of fun.One more, right here!
USC is my second rooting interest, so I'm highly conflicted over the prospect of the Illini facing them in a bowl game. Would be a bittersweet outcome for me, regardless!
2X2L
- Metaluna
Bowl games ain't what they used to be. Best players, some NFL bound, won't play. Can you imagine Butkus opting out of '64 Rose Bowl?
It will be great watching Illini bowl game. Receivers: catch the ball, go ape and do Bryant things.
Illini 9-3 in 2024. Fantastic. (Should have been 10-2).
It will be great watching Illini bowl game. Receivers: catch the ball, go ape and do Bryant things.
Illini 9-3 in 2024. Fantastic. (Should have been 10-2).
and 69 others
“Timeout South Carolina”
Bama. Bigger name. More prestige. More eyeballs on the game. More pre-bowl discussion by Finebaum, et al.
Reading the Nebraska boards is pretty entertaining right now in regards to which bowl game they may go to. 
TheFlyingIllini1317
- Chicago, IL
1000%. Selling we beat Bama in recruiting is pretty unprecedented for a B1G team, best opportunity we'll have at them. Plus USC is better.
Glad to see Boise St win. Almost always root for the smaller school since committees are always looking for a chance to downgrade them. Plus, they’ll be in Pac 12 next year.
If you think a 2 loss SMU with no CFP Top 25 wins is going to stay ahead of Bama that was already placed ahead of 2 loss Miami and 2 loss BYU, you haven't been paying attention. Bama is in no matter what, SMU is out in that circumstance. I would be absolutely shocked if that wasn't the case. The name on the front of the jersey matters.
They aren’t going to leave SMU out at 11-2. That was a championship type drive at the end of regulation there for SMU. If they do then there is obvious bias for Bama and the SEC. Bama lost to Vandy and Oklahoma. Sorry that’s not worthy of a CFP berth.
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Prime example how special teams can literally lose you the game... horrendous kickoff coverage
things kinda in a mess now... again involving BAMA
things kinda in a mess now... again involving BAMA
- Status