Can't Wait For Saturday Is a winning streak in the cards for Bielema's team? My guess is yes

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Nov. 15—***

Illinois coach Bret Bielema is looking for a repeat of 2024, when his team closed out the season on a winning streak. Four games to be exact, including a Citrus Bowl victory against South Carolina.

If Illinois wins out, the steak will actually hit five games. The team beat Rutgers on Nov. 1 and is attempting to follow that with wins in three remining Big Ten games.

My guess is Illinois starts a streak Saturday with a 35-21 decision against Maryland. But Mike Locksley's guys are capable of pulling an upset, especially if the sticky-fingered defenders pick off a few passes as they have done often during the season.

Locksley is facing some job pressure, though that seems like the wrong move for the Terrapins. The former Illinois offensive coordinator led the team to three bowls in a row from2021-23 before a slide to 4-8 in '24. Hopefully, Maryland follows the lead of Wisconsin and gives the coach another season.

How do you think Saturday's game will play out? Tell me by email at and you could win a $50 Papa Del's gift card with a perfect pick.

Include your name, scores for both teams and where you live. If you are an Illinois alum, tell me that too and anything else you want to write. Picks are due before kickoff.

If you want to make my life easier, please put your prediction on the subject line.

Happy picking and enjoy what should be a fun Saturday.

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