2009 Illinois Fighting Illini Season Preview (Part I)

Illinois has lost shootouts in back to back season openers to Missouri: 34-40 in 2007 and 42-52 last year.

This is an interesting game because of what Missouri doesn't have returning, as the Tigers no longer have Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin or Chase Coffman at tight end.

At first glance, this should be no contest, with Illinois having the opportunity to run away with the game early. The issue is, however, that Missouri has quarterback Blaine Gabbert and running back Derrick Washinton. Even though the Tigers are young, they will score some.

Look for Juice to have another huge game, for Illinois to score 40 points or more, and to win late by around two touchdowns.

This game should be competitive for about three quarters and very exciting.

Illinois 42, Missouri 28

Illinois is 5-0 versus the MVF. However, the Illini have had a couple of games where they haven't truly played up the last couple of years.

They beat UL 20-17 last year, and Western Illinois 21-0 in 2007, so Illinois has games where it consistently plays down to its opponent.

This game shouldn't be any kind of a contest, but it also probably won't be as bad as it should be. Look for Illinois to score 30 points or more and not give up too much.

Illinois 34, Illinois St. 14

This game is an oddity when you examine the history of these two teams, as eight of the last nine contests were won by the visitor. Illinois has won three out of four in The Horseshoe.

This game will be a tough contest between two teams that really don't like each other, and it will be a quarterback battle...sort of.

Juice is a senior with a better (more veteran) supporting cast, including Arrelious Benn, Jarred Fayson, Jeff Cumberland, Michael Hoomanawanui, AJ Jenkins, and super freshman Terry Hawthorne.

Frosh running backs Justin Green and Bud Golden join a deep group of backs that should improve on last years numbers and performance.

Terrelle Pryor will be a better quarterback this year, but this is Week 4 for the Buckeyes, who will have a young supporting cast around TP.

Illinois will have two weeks to prepare and should be less beat up going in to this game.

Illinois 27, Ohio State 23

The story to this game might be no Derrick Williams, who had 241 all-purpose yards against Illinois in 2008. That and his three touchdowns will be missed in this game in Champaign.

Expect a down-to-the-wire type of game that features two senior quarterbacks pitted against one another and gridlocked in a battle of wills. Clark may be the better of the two field generals, but Juice has the supporting cast to pull out a close victory.

Illinois' 372 yards was the most Penn State's defense gave up in of last season, which again displays Illinois' ability to move the ball.

I also don't see Penn State beating Iowa and Illinois in back-to-back weeks.

Illinois should win this one late in the fourth quarter.

Illinois 35, Penn State 31

Illinois seems to have instability within its program. Yes, the Illini are impressive to watch and have had a very productive offense over the last couple seasons, but they aren't consistent.

They also seem to lose games they should dominate on paper, as they have had letdowns against Minnesota, Northwestern, Western Michigan and 2007 Iowa, just to name a few.

I have predicted that they beat Ohio State and Penn State back-to-back, which is a feat in itself. I'm not sure they can go undefeated in this three-game stretch, even if it is their homecoming game.

Facts to keep in mind:

1. MSU has won nine out of the last 10 in this series, with the exception of the last game when Illinois pulled the upset 23-20 three years ago.

2. MSU has combined for 110 points in its last two trips to Champaign, and the Spartans return eight starters on defense this year.

Michigan State won't be scoring 50, 40, and maybe not even 30 points in this game, but mark this down as one of those disappointing games for The Illini this year.

Michigan State 30, Illinois 27

This game should be a no-brainer, but you never know.

My guess is the Juice gets loose for another record-breaker in Bloomington.

If the Illini don't produce 300 yards passing in this game, I will be very suprised. They will run well, too.

Illinois 62, Indiana 10

Illinois' half-season record: 5-1