Matchup to Watch: Tyrell Fenroy vs. Illinois defensive line

By Stuart Lieberman

Louisiana-Lafayette running back Tyrell Fenroy is just nine yards short of becoming the Cajuns’ all-time leader in rushing yards and 724 yards of becoming the all-time leader in Sun Belt Conference history. The only thing that remains in his way is this weekend is the Illini’s defensive line. A rotation of nine players on the line for the Illini have accounted for 6 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks in their first two games this season.

Returning starters on the line include ends Derek Walker, Doug Pilcher, Will Davis and David Lindquist. The four have combined for 21 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks on the season. Davis has taken leadership of the line after breaking through last season with 9 1/2 sacks and 12 1/2 tackles for loss. A preseason All-Sun Belt selection, Fenroy is currently second to Boise State’s Ian Johnson in career rushing leaders for NCAA active running backs. In the Cajuns’ season opener against Southern Miss on Aug. 30, Fenroy had 13 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown. By the end of Saturday’s game, the Illini defensive line hopes to put the pieces together, and Fenroy will know just how good his ground game is.