I know Illinois almost lost to Ball State last year, and maybe because of that I should feel a bit unconfident, but I’m feeling that this will be a very routine Big Ten team at home beating a MAC team kind of game. Kent State is ranked 127th out of 130 teams in S&P+ preseason rankings. They have a new first year head coach. They are installing a new defense and offense with players who weren’t recruited to fit either system. Illinois won’t be playing a lot of true freshmen in their first college football game. I also think Rod Smith has a few things in store that Kent State won’t be prepared for as he is now in total control of an offense rather than being an assistant to Rich Rod.
TCR Staff Predictions: Kent State
