Unlike the SEC and ACC, whose teams each have four non-conference games, Big Ten teams only get three. This basically ensures that Ohio State makes it into the CFP every year, but it hurts teams that are on the brink of making it to a bowl game.
Because the Fighting Illini only have three chances against non-Big Ten teams, they’re going to need to run the table if they want to make a bowl game this year.
I’m gonna go in reverse and start with the Illini’s third non-conference game. The game against Charlotte on Oct. 2 is the biggest must win game of the season.