Maybe I am putting too much weight on one game, but that PSU game just strikes me as essential to maintain momentum for this program. Even if we can't pull off the upset, I think it is really important to go into that one undefeated and to have a really good atmosphere/big crowd at Memorial Stadium. For that last point, a Saturday night game during a warmer month like September would be AWESOME!
That game at Kansas (like, what the frick man, we’re talkin’ ‘bout
Kansas football, not basketball, but freaking
football, man) has me worried the most.
Two programs in ‘prove it’ seasons, with a very intriguing early out of conference game. They open with Missouri St., so a warmup before playing us. While we have Toledo, coming off a 9-5 season MAC Championship season, so no slouch.
I think these games were scheduled in 2018 or so and looked ingenious, but it’s the Illini way to have programs all of a sudden become competent when we show up on their schedule.
Leipold has been successful, to this point in their career, no matter where they stop. Getting Kansas back to a bowl for the first time since 2008 in his second season in Lawrence.
There’s just a few question marks for us heading into the season, mainly being QB (again) and the secondary. However, we do have the Law Firm returning. And to all opposing offensive lines I say…