After three weeks of veering off track, No. 25 Illinois (7-3, 4-3) is finally back on an upward trend following its 38-16 victory against Michigan State. Illinois will travel to the birthplace of college football to aim for its eighth win of the season against Rutgers (6-4, 3-4).

The three musketeers

Illinois’ terrific trio, consisting of junior quarterback Luke Altmyer and senior wide receivers Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin, is the offense’s shining group. Bryant and Franklin have a combined 1,276 receiving yards this season. Their combined total of 11 touchdowns accounts for 61.1% of Altmyer’s total touchdown count. 

Altmyer praised the duo, acknowledging that their talent plays a massive role in the team’s offensive success. Having two reliable wide receivers allows Altmyer to play more confidently, knowing he can complete difficult passes to multiple players. This weekend, viewers can expect to see Altmyer rely heavily on the talents of these two receivers to get downfield.

Altmyer noted how the triumphs of the offense come directly from the coaching of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Barry Lunney Jr.

“Coach Lunney puts us in awesome positions throughout the week and throughout the games,” Altmyer said. “The bottom line is, all of the guys execute, and that’s really the formula to success for us.”

Run, McCray, run

If the Illini are going to run the ball, they count on junior running back Josh McCray. After sophomore running back Kaden Feagin’s season-ending injury, McCray has stepped up to help Illinois’ run game. McCray had his best game of the season last week and made half of the touchdowns Illinois scored.

However, the Scarlet Knights have themselves a running back who challenges McCray’s impressive season. Senior running back Kyle Monangai is bound to have a rushing battle with McCray.

“Kyle Monangai is one of the best running backs in the league,” said Nick Hart, writer for The Daily Targum. “He has great skill. He’s got an insane motor, and he is just able to keep going and going.”

McCray and Monongai are arguably the best running backs for their teams. Running the ball isn’t the challenge for either athlete, however. The challenge is being able to outsmart and get past the defense.

Both players have immense talent and agility that allows them to maneuver through the defense if the defense is messy. Illinois’ defense has been slightly quieter regarding turnovers and notable plays. Rutgers and Monongai can use this in their favor to get past Illinois.  

Dark Knights

People shouldn’t underestimate the Scarlet Knights, no matter what. Despite Rutgers hitting a standstill in October, the team appears to be playing like the same team that started 4-0. The Scarlet Knights are coming off back-to-back wins against the Gophers and Terrapins. 

“If they’re able to get to the quarterback, disrupt the game, force turnovers, they’re going to win football games,” Hart said.  “They’re referred to as the ‘dark side’ defense.”

Rutgers had an excellent performance against Minnesota, something Illinois could not accomplish. 

“A winning season last year and a bowl game win last year was great,” Hart said. “Having a bowl game win performance this year would be a follow-up to that season. If they’re able to either equal or surpass the win total from last year, it’ll be a step in the right direction.”

Rutgers, like Illinois, is not one of the traditional powerhouse football schools. Despite the 4-0 start for both teams, they’ve hit rough patches. But the programs are moving forward and changing the meaning of high-caliber football. 

Illinois’ offensive line must be on their A-game to protect Altmyer from Rutger’s dazzling defense. When Altmyer is protected by his lineman, he plays better. When he avoids sacks and doesn’t have to worry about the opponents attacking, he plays smarter and more decisively.

Trouble on the road

While the Illini are 6-1 at home, they are 1-2 on the road. Playing on the road challenges the Illini in a few ways. Not only do they have less road experience, but they also do not play the same way on the road.

The Illini have yet to win a road battle since their overtime nailbiter against the Cornhuskers. If the Illini want to keep their name in the playoff conversation, they need to prove they are more than a home-field victory team and can impress in front of any crowd.

Ranked underdog

After the past few weeks, it was surprising to some that Illinois came out ranked in the College Football Playoffs list and the Associated Press’ top 25. 

Head coach Bret Bielema spoke about the rankings in his postgame conference after the Michigan State game. 

“You know, the outside world looking in, we’re a 7-3 football team that’s got a lot in front of us,” Bielema said. “Never say never. In the middle of the week, I got the personal inventory to myself that there’s a couple 6-3 football teams ranked in the top 25.”

Even with their national ranking, the Illini are projected to lose their matchup against the Scarlet Knights. Illinois is no stranger to proving projections wrong. This game is bound to be a close matchup between the teams, both of which have a lot to prove. Rutgers wants to show that it is still a competitive team, and Illinois must prove that it deserves attention in the limelight.

@lauram0131

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