We’re not so sure Illinois wins the ReliaQuest Bowl

Stephen Cohn: Mississippi State 24, Illinois 20

Within the wake of Mike Leach’s dying, this simply appears like Mississippi State’s recreation to lose, and I don’t see them doing that. It’s not a knock on the Illini in any respect, who I feel will be capable to put up a very good battle with out three of their finest gamers. Nevertheless it’s extra of the heavy hearts the Bulldogs will taking part in with, and all the nation cheering for the group in maroon on Monday. An 8-5 season with a detailed loss in a January bowl is nothing to scoff at, Illini followers. This was a profitable season.

Pleas Honeywood: Mississippi State 20, Illinois 14

Mississippi State is a stable group taking part in with full hearts. Their air raid system will stay intact, and can problem a depleted Illinois secondary. Illinois ought to be capable to run the ball nicely, and received’t get shut down in Tommy DeVito’s final recreation. This needs to be an excellent recreation between two comparatively evenly-matched groups. However the Bulldogs will pull out a win for Mike Leach within the stadium constructed like a pirate ship. Appears becoming, doesn’t it?

Matt Rejc: Illinois 33, Mississippi State 28

Actually no last rating for this recreation would shock me. I might be satisfied that the sport will go to additional time, or be a blowout in a single path or the opposite relying on which of the multitude of things finally ends up taking priority. Mississippi State will probably be motivated and has substantial offensive firepower that can take a look at a abruptly younger and unproven Illini secondary. For the Illini, Tommy Devito can have one final alternative to impress NFL scouts towards excessive stage competitors, and I anticipate Barry Lunney to showcase his quarterback by the air and on the bottom. Reggie Love may even be trying to lock up the beginning working again place for subsequent season, and a powerful efficiency within the ReliaQuest Bowl will go a good distance in that regard. Devito breaks out for 3 TDs (2 passing, 1 speeding) en path to being named the bowl MVP, whereas Matthew Bailey makes a reputation for himself on the nationwide stage with two interceptions.

Ethan Parker: Mississippi State 28, Illinois 24

It’s been a minute because the group has taken the sphere and I’ve made a prediction so let’s hope the boys aren’t as rusty as I’m. With key gamers like each Browns, Witherspoon, and lots of others out, loads of gamers must step and fill these footwear. With a number of starters out and the circumstances surrounding this recreation I can’t discover myself seeing Illinois strolling away from Tampa with a win. Do I need the Illini to win this recreation after all, however do I really feel like Mississippi State has extra to play for then we do, sure. The one factor I see going for us is Tommy. This being his final trip, after getting his waiver denied for subsequent yr, I can sense he’ll wish to air the ball out and finish his collegiate profession with a win. This will probably be an ideal ball recreation to finish what was a unbelievable yr for the Illini. Onward and upward.

Kyle Tausk: Mississippi State 27, Illinois 17

In numerous circumstances, I feel Illinois would match up extraordinarily nicely with this Mississippi State group. At full power, I feel the Illini could be extraordinarily nicely outfitted to decelerate the Bulldog air raid assault and Chase Brown could be in line for an enormous day on the bottom to spark the offense. With each Browns together with Devon Witherspoon having opted out of the sport nevertheless, together with the unlucky passing of Coach Leach including some additional motivation and heavy hearts for the Mississippi State gamers, I feel it is going to be an uphill battle for Illinois in Tampa. Some anticipated rising pains for the Illini’s younger secondary ought to enable Will Rogers and the Bulldog offense to place some factors on the board and I simply don’t see the Illini maintaining with out their All-American working again within the backfield.

Jack Jungmann: Mississippi State 31, Illinois 27

Illinois is lacking three of its finest gamers for this bowl recreation. The absence of Witherspoon and the Brown twins will probably be on full show towards Mississippi State’s notorious air raid offense. Additionally, after Coach Leach’s dying, it appears like Mississippi State is taking part in for a lot greater than Illinois is. I simply don’t see Illinois having the ability to sustain with all the chances stacked towards them.

Nonetheless, I anticipate Tommy Touchdowns to completely ball out.

I’m excited to catch a glimpse into the following yr of Illinois soccer, however I see Mississippi State outlasting the Illini. Give me the Bulldogs by a rating of 31-27.