Illinois kicks off it’s conference play this evening at Indiana after trouncing a Wyoming team last week that was clearly outmatched. The defense shut down the Cowboys offense to the tune of 30 passing yards allowed and forcing two turnovers. The offense was able to keep the play sheet vanilla while still doing their part as well. The Fighting Illini amassed almost 500 yards and scoring on short fields gifted to them by the defense. Complimentary football at it’s finest. They still have some bugs to fix in the coming weeks, but that was fun to watch. That formula of clock eating offense and a smash mouth, opportunistic defense could be lethal in their hunt for a bowl game in 2022.
Illinois (1-0) has not played Indiana (0-0) since 2017, and haven’t squared off in Bloomington since 2013. Both teams seem to be headed in opposite directions with new coaching staffs. Despite Indiana finishing 11th in the AP poll in a covid shortened 2020 season they didn’t win a single conference game last season while a revamped Illinois just missed out on a bowl game last year and beat two top 25 opponents. Head Coach Brett Bielema owns a 7-0 record in games vs the Hoosiers, Indiana has won their last three matchups vs Illinois. Someone’s streak will be coming to an end tonight.
Illinois Got Out Of Last Week’s Fairly Healthy But Not Unscathed
The Illini will be without backup running back Josh McCray (knee) who will miss a couple of weeks according to coach Bielema. Although he did assure it won’t be season ending, it will create a challenge in the short term. The 6’1″ 235lb bruiser was set to become the perfect compliment to the speedster Chase Brown after a solid freshman campaign. Reggie Love, Chase Hayden, and Aiden Laughery will likely rotate to combine for the second leg of a “1-2 punch” this week. Freshman receiver Shawn Miller will also be absent due to an undisclosed injury. Miller’s could have something to do with a collarbone injury that sidelined him for a portion of spring ball.
Offense Was “Cookin’ With Grease” Despite Conservative Approach
Chase Brown led the way last week with a masterful performance. The Illinois running back totaled 167 yards and three touchdowns on 22 touches. His explosiveness in the run and versatility in the passing game should keep him in talks for Big Ten Player Of The Year. Down a back this week and it being a conference game I imagine he will get a few more touches. The obvious answer to almost any passing game is establishing the run game. As he goes, the offense will go. Not to mention the O-line that is 6’5″ and 310lbs across the board loves nothing more than to impose their will.
QB Tommy DeVito had a decent performance in his Illini debut going 27-37 for 197 yards and two touchdowns. The former No. 8 Ranked Pocket Passer in ESPN 300 started off hot, hitting Brown for a 14 yard touchdown on his first pass attempt. One of the more impressive stats he produced was spreading the wealth and hitting 12 different receivers. Needing 40 pass attempts to get those 200 yards isn’t going to blow anyone’s doors off, but it was effective. A stable of running backs and a turnover free passing game to keep the defense honest is Bielema’s staple. I suspect the 5.1 YPA will improve as the season moves along and DeVito gets comfortable with his receivers.
Indiana The Key To The Illinois Bowl Season Road Map?
Beating Indiana in week 2 of the season might be one of the more pivotal games this year. Winning tonight means they’re only four wins away from Bowl eligibility. That is enormous when you look at just how soft this schedule could end up being. Virginia, Chattanooga, Minnesota, Nebraska, Purdue, and Northwestern are all very winnable games. Beating a down Indiana team is crucial in creating wiggle room in case of a stumble a bit later on.
Not too many who have the Orange and Blue on their radar, but this roster has more to offer than many realize. The underdog narrative is one that is easy for players to buy and coaches to sell. I would imagine that’s exactly what the locker room’s war cry will be all season. Brett Bielema’s style of football can wear teams down and make a scrappy Illinois dangerous. Hard-nosed defense, a relentless run game, and just enough pop in the passing game will make them competitive in every game this year. If I’m you I’m buying the stock while it’s still cheap.
I-L-L!
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