Will the Illini win their bowl game? Who experts are picking to win the Reliaquest Bowl

Wes Huett, Journal Star
·3 min read
10

The Illinois Fighting Illini football team faces Mississippi State in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2, the school's 20th bowl appearance all-time and its most high-profile bowl slot since the 2008 Rose Bowl.

Illinois won't be at full strength for the game after running back Chase Brown decided to skip the game and enter the NFL draft. He had 1,643 yards rushing this season, tops among the Power Five conferences. He announced his future plans on Twitter before Christmas.

Illini bowl game:Illinois to play Mississippi State in the ReliaQuest Bowl

Meanwhile, Mississippi State is mourning the loss to coach Mike Leach, who died this month at age 61.

As of Thursday morning, Illinois (8-4) is a small underdog against No. 24 Mississippi State (8-4) in the 11 a.m. game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, in a matchup of Big Ten and Southeastern conference teams.

Here is a look at which team college football experts are picking to win the matchup:

Sporting News

  • What they say: "The Bulldogs will be playing for new coach Zach Arnett, and it is a tough matchup against Illinois. The Ilini pose a physical challenge on both sides, but Mississippi State finds a way in an emotional victory in Leach's memory."

  • Pick: Mississippi State 31-28

Clutchpoints.com

  • What they say: "How fitting that the Bulldogs send off the Pirate (Leach) with a game in a stadium that has an actual pirate ship. Illinois may play good football, but Mississippi State is going to play inspired, emotional football and pick up a heartwarming win."

  • Pick: Mississippi State

The Associated Press

  • What they say: "The Bulldogs are playing for the late, great Mike Leach."

  • Pick: Mississippi State 24-21

Bret Bielema:Illini coach gets a raise and a new six-year deal

Athlon Sports

  • What they say: All three experts on the site are picking the Illini as of Dec. 28.

  • Pick: Illinois

USA TODAY

  • What they say: Of the six college football experts picking games, four select Mississippi State. Dan Wolken and Eddie Timanus pick the Illini.

  • Pick: Mississippi State

College Football News

  • What they say: "Bret Bielema’s amazing defense should figure out how to slow down this short-range Mississippi State passing game. The Bulldogs will bring the 'D,' too — it might be the first one to 14 pulls this off."

  • Pick: Illinois 24-13

Fan Duel

  • What they say: "I really like Mississippi State in this matchup, especially after its win over Ole Miss, proving that the former can handle some of the better competition. It's hard to say the same about Illinois ..."

  • Pick: Mississippi State 24-21

Local Illini recruit:Impressed coaches, reliable long snappers and more

Fox Sports

  • What they say: "This game should be one hell of a fight. ... the Illini hold the ball and play stifling defense."

  • Pick: Illinois

New York Post

  • What they say: "Any edge in motivation means even more in largely meaningless bowl games. Mike Leach’s presence will be obvious."

  • Pick: Mississippi State

The Athletic

  • What they say: It's a tossup: Seven of the 13 Athletic writers pick Mississippi State while six pick Illinois.

  • Pick: Mississippi State

247 Sports

  • What they say: Both of their experts pick Mississippi State to cover the slight spread.

  • Pick: Mississippi State

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: ReliaQuest Bowl prediction, pick: Illini vs. Mississippi State experts