Big Ten play has finally arrived, and one of the most anticipated matchups is on the horizon—a thrilling top-20 showdown between the 9th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini and the 19th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers. This exciting game marks the opening of conference play, and both teams are coming off impressive victories. The Hoosiers recently dominated Indiana State with a staggering 73-0 shutout victory, while the Fighting Illini also showcased their defense by defeating Western Michigan 38-0 at home last week.
Who: No. 19 Indiana (3-0, 0-0 in Big Ten) vs No. 9 Illinois (3-0, 0-0 in Big Ten)
Where: Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium
When: Saturday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. EST
TV: NBC, featuring Noah Eagle (Play-By-Play), Todd Blackledge (Analyst), and Kathryn Tappen (Sideline)
Radio: Don Fischer (Play-By-Play), Buck Suhr (Analyst)
The line: Indiana -6.0 (DraftKings)
SP+ prediction: Indiana 28, Illinois (60 percent chance of an IU win)
Under the leadership of fifth-year coach Bret Bielema, the Fighting Illini are currently ranked in the top-10 for the first time since 2001. Following a successful nine-win season, expectations are high for Illinois this year, with hopes of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been impressive, leading the high-octane Illini offense with over 2,700 passing yards and 22 touchdowns last season. So far this season, Altmyer has thrown eight touchdown passes without any interceptions, demonstrating his skill and composure on the field.
While Illinois boasts a powerful offense, the real buzz during the offseason has been about their formidable defense. Ranked in the top five nationally for points allowed, the Fighting Illini defense has only conceded an average of 7.3 points per game through their first three contests. However, Coach Bielema announced on Thursday that preseason All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott is “not expected to go” for Saturday’s game due to an injury sustained against Western Michigan.
In a recent press conference, Indiana coach Cignetti revealed that running back Lee Beebe Jr. will be out for the remainder of the season due to a non-contact knee injury he suffered in the victory over Indiana State. Fellow running back Byron Baldwin Jr. is currently day-to-day, and his status for the game remains uncertain. The Big Ten availability report will be released two hours before kickoff, at 5:30 p.m. EST on Saturday.
One of the critical questions leading into this matchup is whether Indiana can set the tone early in the game. In previous big games, IU has had success on their opening drives, with notable performances against strong opponents like Ohio State. However, Indiana must avoid falling into neutral against Illinois' explosive offense. A complete and focused performance will be essential if the Hoosiers aim to begin their Big Ten campaign with a victory.
The atmosphere in Memorial Stadium is also expected to play a significant role. Indiana athletics announced a sellout crowd on July 31, marking the first time since 1987 that top-20 teams will face off in Bloomington. The home crowd can be a game-changer, especially after Illinois has already experienced a road game this season. The energy and noise from the Indiana fans will certainly create a challenging environment for the Fighting Illini.
Another factor to consider is how Indiana's depleted secondary will perform against Illinois. With the season-ending injury of Bryson Bonds and the uncertain status of Byron Baldwin, the Hoosiers' defensive backfield faces challenges as they enter conference play. Although the weaker non-conference schedule allowed Indiana to address some defensive issues, they will face a much more formidable opponent in Illinois. Star cornerback D’Angelo Ponds will need support from his teammates to keep Altmyer and the Illini offense in check.
As Saturday night approaches, anticipation builds for both programs. This matchup signifies a pivotal moment for Indiana and Illinois, with both teams eager to showcase their talents on a national stage. The Fighting Illini are undergoing a program rebirth, equipped with the potential to establish themselves as a formidable football team. Meanwhile, Indiana brings a wealth of experience from big games, backed by a passionate home crowd.
Overall, this highly anticipated clash could very well become an all-time classic, regardless of which team emerges victorious. Fans can expect a thrilling night of college football as these two top-20 teams battle it out in the Big Ten.
