Western Illinois

Pound the ball – Illinois has a fast, athletic defense. The best way to counter that is to run the ball straight at the Illini front and negate its speed. Herb Donaldson has shown that he is a capable back, and he is going to need to have a huge game to help Western in the upset.

Stop the Illini run game – Even with Juice Williams at quarterback, the Leathernecks can help themselves by making him prove he is ready to control this offense if the running backs can’t do it. Blitz Juice, try to get him out of his element, and contain his scrambles.

Remember Appalachian State – As the Mountaineers showed last week, the Big Ten isn’t immune to a stunning upset. The Illini may have the edge in most areas of the field on paper, but Western has a chance if it can limit the Illini offense and grind the clock down.

Illinois

Mix it up some – The Illini offense should have plenty of ability to work its sets against the Western 3-4 front. Don’t be afraid to mix in some playaction passes and more shotgun against the Leathernecks.

Force Western’s passing game – The running combination of Matt Barr and Donaldson can run, but the Illini can force Barr to pass with solid run defense. Once Western is forced into passing downs, rush Barr and get him flustered to force bad decisions.

Don’t give Western Illinois extra possessions – Four turnovers from Eddie McGee changed the Missouri game entirely. While the coaching staff has surely gotten on the team about carrying the ball safely, it is worth mentioning again.