Illinois gets back on the winning track — and a bowl projection
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With its 35-13 win vs. Rutgers, Illinois improved to 6-3 and bowl-eligible for the second season in a row. The last time that happened was 2010-11, and the Illini have now made three bowl games in four seasons. It’s the first time that has happened since 1991-94. The chance to go 9-3 for the second regular season in a row is well within reach and would be the first time in school history. Many fans, including me, were hoping for a College Football Playoff bid.
Quick Review
Many saw the return of the entire offensive line, offensive backfield, and defensive secondary as positives. You also had the return of the defensive leader in tackles for loss, sacks, and quarterback hurries in Gabe Jacas. The main question mark was the receiving corps and the defensive line. But so far this season we have seen more questions arise on defense than expected with injuries and subpar performance.
What happened on Saturday
The losses of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin have become less and less of a problem with Hank Beatty and Collin Dixon stepping up this season. Transfer Justin Bowick has established himself as a red zone threat (three of his four TDs have come in the red zone). Hudson Clement, who has been mostly an afterthought, stepped into his own vs. Rutgers, having his best day with five catches for 84 yards and a TD.
The running game with three healthy backs and a return to using QB Luke Altmyer’s legs as a weapon, ran roughshod over the Scarlet Knights defense. I don’t think Barry Lunney Jr. envisioned Altmyer being the leading rusher for the game with 88 yards and a TD. The three-headed attack of the big bruiser Kaden Feagin, all-purpose back Aiden Laughery, and the shifty Ca’Lil Valentine combined for 104 yards on 28 carries.
Defense made its appearance
Defensively, it has been a different story—the much-heralded Illini Secondary has been very vulnerable, especially after the loss of Xavier Scott and Jaheim Clark’s absence at the start of the season. Last season, this same group of defensive backs picked off 12 passes. This season, they have ONE! The linebacker room was, and still is, the deepest part of the team, going five deep at most positions, even with the loss of Seth Coleman. But edge rusher/linebacker Gabe Jacas has been largely MIA since the Western Illinois game.
Saturday without Leon Lowery and Dylan Rosiek, Jacas had arguably his best defensive day with four total tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and two sacks. Linebacker James Kreutz stepped up for his best day, five total tackles with one TFL. The secondary, even though they did not get an interception, played much better, with nine passes broken up (the most in any game this season and more than the last three games combined!).
The defense seemed more focused and ready, with less indecision than we have seen in previous weeks. They seemed ready and well-prepared; they appeared to win the battle at the line of scrimmage and were able to curtail Rutgers’ running attack. And even though the secondary played better, they still allowed over 250 yards through the air. Receivers KJ Duff and Ian Strong combined for 178 yards and one TD. Overall, though, it was probably the best defensive effort to date.
Is the Pressure off Aaron Henry?
Many fans have been restless about the defense, and the defensive coordinator has recently come under fire after back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Washington. With mostly easier contests coming up to finish the season (Maryland, Wisconsin, and Northwestern), Henry has a slight reprieve, with the effort against Rutgers. To eliminate speculation from the fans, this effort must continue. The riddle of what to do without Xavier Scott may have had a solution, as Henry, after the Washington game, said: “Xavier ain’t coming back, and so we have to find ways as coaches to adjust to certain things. I have to do a much better job in that department. And I think the result would be a lot cleaner.”
Summary
The offense rolls on, and the defense made a ONE-game resurgence. While it was good to see better defense, in the words of the late country singer Jerry Reed, “We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.” (lyrics from the song East Bound and Down).
What I mean to say is that it needs to use the Rutgers game as a defensive springboard to build on I think, given the schedule, the Illini SHOULD win out and be looking at a prime non-CFP bowl game like a return to the Citrus Bowl or the ReliaQuest Bowl. I wouldn’t even rule out the Liberty Bowl at this point. Right now, Athlon Sports has Illinois slated for the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 27, vs North Carolina State. We shall see how it plays out!
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