Illinois named a Big Ten West contender by Phil Steele

Illinois came within one game of making the Big Ten Championship a season ago. However, even though Purdue took that berth in Indianapolis, it was a big leap for the Fighting Illini under Bret Bielema as they finished with their most wins since 2007.

Now, as Bielema heads into his third season in Champaign, Phil Steele expects even more contention from Illinois within the conference. In his college football preview, Steele went in depth on the Illini and explained his surprise in what took place for them last season.

“Last year, I said Bielema had a good chance of getting the Illini to a bowl. But, to be honest, they far exceeded my expectations. Illinois opened a super 7-1…They were ranked for the first time since 2011,” wrote Steele. “I was then equally surprised they lost at home to both Michigan State and Purdue, costing them the Big Ten West title.”

Although the Illini came up short last season, Steele expects them to be within striking distance yet again. They’ll need to overcome a bit of bad history when it comes to follow-ups but, considering their talent and returning experience from last year’s roster, he expects them to make another run at playing inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

“The last three times Illinois had a winning record? They followed that up with a losing record (’00, ’02, ’08),” Steele continued. “This year, 10 All-Big Ten players return (most in B10 West). They are solid on both lines and were the most talented Big Ten West team last year. Despite some key departures, they remain a contender in the Big Ten West.”

Illinois won seven of their first eight games and reached as high as No. 14 in the AP Poll. They faltered down the stretch, though, as they dropped four of their final five.

Still, there are things for the Illini to build on, especially their No. 1 defense from last season that allowed just 12.8 points per game. If they can remain stout on that side while the offense, which finished 95th a year ago, tries to catch up, Bielema could lead Illinois to their best two-year stretch in quite some time.

Athlon Sports projects Big Ten’s order of finish in 2023

Athlon Sports projected the Big Ten Conference order of finish for the 2023 season and there’s some familiarity after the last two years.

Michigan and Ohio State are the favorites this year, but just happen to be in the same division of course. That’ll change during the 2024 season with the addition of USC and UCLA.

But nonetheless, the East is stacked while the West will be wild once again with a more even playing field.

Big Ten projected order of finish, per Athlon Sports

Championship: Michigan over Wisconsin

EAST

1. Michigan (12-1, 8-1)
2. Ohio State (11-1, 8-1)
3. Penn State (10-2, 7-2)
4. Maryland (7-5, 4-5)
5. Michigan State (6-6, 4-5)
6. Rutgers (5-7, 3-6)
7. Indiana (4-8, 2-7)

WEST

1. Wisconsin (9-4, 6-3)
2. Iowa (8-4, 5-4)
3. Minnesota (7-5, 5-4)
4. Illinois (6-6, 4-5)
5. Nebraska (6-6, 3-6)
6. Purdue (5-7, 3-6)
7. Northwestern (3-9, 1-8)

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