Virginia vs. Illinois Prediction: Fighting Illini Look to Bounce Back at Home Against ACC's Cavaliers

Illinois lost at Indiana last week. Virginia won its sixth consecutive season opener against the FCS Richmond Spiders. The teams met in Charlottesville last year. This time the series shifts to Champaign.

Virginia and Illinois are playing each other at home.

Brennan Armstrong is the quarterback for Virginia's offense. He threw for 246 yards and ran for 105 last week. Perris Jones, Xavier Brown, and Mike Hollins were the running backs for the Cavaliers. They will take on Illinois' defense. They need to slow down defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton and avoid linebacker Isaac Darkangelo. The defense also needs to avoid throwing the ball near defensive backs Devon Witherspoon, Sydney Brown and Jartavius Martin.

Last week, Indiana's quarterback Tommy DeVito threw two touchdown passes and took three sacks. Brian Hightower and Isaiah Williams caught 13 of DeVino's 21 completions for 155 yards. Illinois' running back Chase Brown rushed for 199 yards on 36 carries. The biggest key for the Illinois offensive line is to improve play from the offensive lines. Virginia's defense is led by Nick Jackson (team-leading 14 tackles) and Josh Ahern (5 tackles, sack).

Illinois has a 2-1 overall series lead over Virginia. The Illini have home-field advantage this year. Virginia has lost their last two road games by a combined score of 114-87. If Illinois can contain Armstrong and keep Brown from running the ball effectively, they will even the all-time series at two games apiece.