Ohio State football: Big Ten West Division Week 1 predictions

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 6: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his first quarter touchdown run against the Indiana Hoosiers with Thayer Munford #75 of the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback AJ Bush Jr. #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini and offensive lineman Nick Allegretti #53 and offensive lineman Alex Palczewski #63 and offensive lineman Kendrick Green #55 and offensive lineman Vederian Lowe #79 lead the team on the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Illinois (-17) over Akron

With 17 returning starters, this is Lovie Smith’s most experienced team which is why he needs to show progress this year if he wants to make it to a fifth season.

I think Illinois has a shot at reaching a bowl game if it finishes 3-0 in non-conference play.

I don’t see Akron putting up a fight. The Zips have a new coach and just 10 starters back from a team that finished 4-8 last year.

I expect Smith to lean on senior running back Reggie Corbin who is the Fighting Illini’s best player on offense. He should break 100 yards and carry the team to an easy win.

Illinois 34-13.

Home/Ohio State Football