Following last night’s knock-down, drag-out 9-6 victory, the Illinois Fighting Illini woke up ranked for the first time since 2011. The 24th ranked Illini (5-1) have had the haters in shambles the past couple of weeks. I get it though, it’s not fun when little brother grows up and starts beating up on you. Iowa was the latest victim in Illinois’ path.
Illinois hadn’t beaten Wisconsin and Iowa in the same season in 1989. In consecutive weeks the Illini accomplished just that. After traveling to Madison and beating the Badgers by three scores, the Illini took down the Hawkeyes winning by three points showing they can win in any way necessary. This game came down to exactly what I’d said in my preview. That doesn’t make me a genius, just shows that no matter what is going on if they play their strengths they can win any kind of game.
“Usually The Team That Scores The Most Points Wins The Game”
John Madden hasn’t been wrong yet, and luckily for the Illinois offense they don’t have to score all too much to win these days. The Fighting Illini defense has continued to play out of their minds as their season average points given up per game is now at an even eight. Those eight points are good enough for tops in the country. Six games into the season, I think it is safe to say this defense is legit. Here’s where Illinois’ defense ranks in major categories:
- 1st – 8.0 Points Per Game
- 2nd – 228.0 Total Yards Per Game
- 3rd – 67.2 Rush Yards Per Game
- 9th – 160.8 Passing Yards Per Game
Possibly the most impressive stat you will find for this defense is they are the only FBS team to not allow a touchdown at home. As a matter of fact, The fighting Illini have played more quarters (16) at Memorial Stadium than they’ve given up points (15). Forgive me, but that just seems like a ridiculous stat. Illinois fans better enjoy Ryan Walters because he won’t be around long if he keeps producing defenses like this.
What Went Right For The Fighting Illini?
Well, not much went right at all for them. Which is what makes last night so impressive despite the lack of scoring. Illinois had every opportunity to fold and allow the letdown that every fan is cautiously looking out for, but it never came. The only thing that went right, was the only thing that mattered; Illinois won.
No kicker, starting quarterback and receiver left the game due to injury and turned the ball over three times. None of that mattered because as Brett Bielema stated he has the “best fire department in the history of the United States.” Yes Brett, you do, because I don’t know any other team that turns the ball over twice inside of their own 35 yard line, one of which was inside the five, and only give up three points. Illinois out-Iowa’d Iowa.
On a night kicker Caleb Griffin couldn’t go, the last thing you wanted to see was your starting quarterback go down during the second series of the game. It was already going to be tough sledding going against the third best scoring defense in the country without having to rely on your backup QB. The premium on points could not have been higher, but redshirt walk-on kicker Fabrizio Pinton didn’t blink. Knocking down all three of his field goal attempts he gave the defense all the support they needed. Not too shabby for a debut.
Virtually every phase of the game not named defense failed to do their job, yet Brett’s Fighting Illini held it together and played complimentary football when it mattered the most. An ugly win is still a win, and this one over Iowa told us the most about this team. They can win a fight in a phone booth, air it out, grind you down to a stump, it doesn’t matter they will find a way. Coach Bielema has flipped this program on it’s head in the best possible way in less than two years time.
Chase Brown Quietly Continues To Be One Of The Best Backs In The Country
Heisman anyone? He carried the load again in last night’s defensive struggle racking up 146 yards on 31 carries. His longest run of the evening was a clutch 23 yard gain in the fourth quarter putting the Fighting Illini in plus territory. The Illinois running back remains the country’s leading rusher and is up to 879 yards on the ground. Brown is already only 126 yards away from tying his total from last season and is on pace for nearly 1,800 yards which would set an Illinois single season rushing record.
The only thing that is likely keeping Brown out of Heisman talk nationally is his lack of touchdowns and usage in the passing game. It certainly isn’t a lack of splash plays and broken tackles. According to Pro Football Focus the running back leads the nation in yards after contact (515) and broken tackles (24). Heisman or not it is certain that the Fighting Illini have yet another NFL caliber running back in their stable.
What’s Next For The Fighting Illini?
Next up are the Minnesota Gophers coming to town for Illinois’ homecoming game. Minnesota boasts the nation’s top defense in terms of yards per game and is the second scoring defense right behind Illinois. Minnesota’s stud running back Mohamed Ibrahim should be ready to go after suffering an ankle injury vs Michigan St.
Illinois will be praying QB Tommy DeVito, WR Isaiah Williams, and K Caleb Griffin will be ready to go come Saturday morning. I will have more on that front later in the week. Until then, enjoy the victory Illini fans and make sure to check in on all your Badger and Hawkeye friends.
I-L-L
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