Northwestern-Illinois 2023 Predictions

David Banks-USA TODAY SportsWith only two games left in Northwestern’s 2023 season, the race to the top of our Inside NU staff picks is heating up — including the top two selectors disagreeing this week. Will the Wildcats snatch back the HAT, or will the Illini win three straight games over Northwestern? Our writers weigh in.

Iggy Dowling: Northwestern 20, Illinois 17

Illinois has the second-worst turnover margin in the Big Ten at -6, and Northwestern ranks third behind Michigan and Penn State with a +8 difference. It's why the Wildcats have clinched a bowl game already, and I think it'll be why David Braun will close out his first regular season at the helm with a victory in Champaign. The…