CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football looks to rebound in Week 14 of college football regular season, looking to end the regular season on a positive note.
The Illini (7-4, 4-4) host rival Northwestern (6-5, 4-4) in a battle of the Land of Lincoln Trophy. This is the 119th meeting between the longtime in-state programs, with games dating back to 1892. Illinois leads 58-55-5.
Coach Bret Bielema and Illinois kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 against coach David Braun and the Wildcats. The game is airing on Fox and streaming on Fubo (free trial available).
Here’s a scouting report on the game, including score predictions by the Journal Star’s Wes Huett, Dave Eminian and Adam Duvall:
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Illinois vs. Northwestern scouting report
Why Illinois has an advantage: Illinois is at home, honoring its seniors and licking its wounds after a road loss last week at Wisconsin. The Illini have playmakers in important places, which should bode well for them against the overmatched Wildcats — especially if they can protect Luke Altmyer and establish the passing game.
Why Northwestern has an advantage: Northwestern is finding its offensive groove the last couple weeks. If the Wildcats will need to have success with its rushing attack behind Caleb Komolafe. If not, it’ll be a long day. But given Illinois’ struggles against Wisconsin, Northwestern could surprise.
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Illinois vs. Northwestern predictions
Illinois 24, Northwestern 21: Illinois has too much pride to lose back-to-back games against teams with lesser talent. I expect the offensive line to rebound, Luke Altmyer to work his magic and Illinois to send its seniors off in style in the home finale for the Land of Lincoln Trophy. — Wes Huett
Illinois 21, Northwestern 17: The Illini don’t deserve my trust after bottoming out with a season-low offensive output in an unexpected loss to Wisconsin, which at 1-5 in the Big 10 was probably just as surprised at the outcome. Let’s see if Illinois QB Luke Altmyer puts together a decent senior sendoff. The team needs to reset in its regular-season finale to get momentum moving again toward bowl season. Northwestern, by the way, is 6-5, got Franklin fired with an upset at Penn State, and is bowl eligible. — Dave Eminian
Illinois 27, Northwestern 21: The Fighting Illini look to bounce back from last week’s surprising loss to Wisconsin. Illinois, which had just 50 rushing yards, matched its season-low output with 10 points. Now, the Land of Lincoln Trophy is on the line with the Illini winning three of the last four meetings. This season Northwestern has played in five games decided by seven points or less, going 3-2 in those matchups. This is includes last week’s 38-35 victory over Minnesota. — Adam Duvall
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois football vs. Northwestern predictions: Can Illini rebound?
Reporting by Wes Huett, Adam Duvall and Dave Eminian, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
