The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats will end their regular season competing within the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field. Illinois is currently ranked 23rd in the nation and is looking to complete its first 9-win season since 2007. The Illini have won their last 2 games and scored 38 points in each victory. Northwestern will fall short of a bowl game this season. The Wildcats have lost 4 of their last 5 games, with all 4 losses being by 20 or more points. Their lone win is a 26-20 victory over 1-10 Purdue. This may be considered a home game for Northwestern, but it has not faired well when playing at Wrigley. NU is 0-4 at this venue since 2010. I expect several Illini fans to make the drive north and for this game to feel more like a neutral site.
‘Cats quarterback Jack Lausch took over the starting position earlier this season from Mike Wright after Wright struggled through his first 2 games. Northwestern loves to throw the football, but — unfortunately — even with Lausch the Wildcats have struggled. They have attempted more passing plays than running despite only averaging 5.7 yards per attempt and 172.9 yards per game this season through the air. Lausch has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, which will be a problem against Illinois — a squad that excels against the pass. Illinois has 9 interceptions this season and holds opponents to an average of 212 passing yards per game. Where Illinois struggles is against the run, but Northwestern’s hasn’t been able to produce a consistent rushing attack yet this season. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has had his best year yet in orange with 20 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions. I expect the Illini to improve to 9 wins at Northwestern’s expense.
Illinois vs Northwestern prediction: Illinois -7.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
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