Illinois Football: Weather for the Western Michigan Game
It’ll be a warm one, with occasional glimpses of the sun possible and some rain likely as the Illinois football team hosts a very tough Western Michigan team.
Lovie Smith and the Illinois Fighting Illini take the field on Saturday against a dangerous Broncos
team.
In addition to contending with the Broncos, the Illini might face some weather-based adversity too.
The current forecast is for scattered thunderstorms and a cloudy high of 82 degrees. Adding to the discomfort will be humidity levels around 80%, according to most weather outlets. Late summer in central Illinois is no picnic.
The Broncos won’t be a picnic either. Coming off two big wins, Western Michigan is riding a wave that they expect will not crash in Champaign.
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Two weeks ago they opened against Northwestern in Evanston and won a tight one, 22-21. Last week in their home opener they slaughtered an admittedly weak opponent in the North Carolina Central Eagles, 70-21.
of their status as a MAC conference team. But WMU strikes me more like lower rung B1G team. They already beat the Wildcats.
In the game last weekend, the Broncos put up 614 yards of offense. Corey Davis, of Wheaton Illinois, is an amazing wide receiver. He had 150 yards on 7 receptions and 3 TDs.
I think this game will test Lovie’s defense. The key will be to isolate Davis and for the line to put pressure on WMU’s outstanding senior quarterback, Zach Terrell, and force some turnovers.
On the other side, if Wes Lunt can find his rhythm, between the passing game and the run game, Illinois should find its way to the end zone frequently.
At the end of the day, I see a shootout. The Illini’s secondary is vulnerable. WMU has the weapons to exploit that, especially if Terrell has time.
I think the Illini will win a high-scoring affair, but it won’t be a blowout.
Go Illini!!