Despite the final score, No. 9 Illinois’ 38-0 win over Western Michigan wasn’t all good news. While some aspects of Illinois’ game looked ready for conference play, others raised questions going forward.
Riser: Linebacker depth
Even without senior linebacker Dylan Rosiek, Illinois’ middle linebackers combined for 1.5 tackles for loss and nearly 20 tackles. Senior Kenenna Odeluga had the play of the first half when he kept Western Michigan’s running back out of the endzone on fourth down to keep the shutout intact.
“I’m excited about that room,” said linebackers coach Archie McDaniel. “They all complement each other, so it’s been fun.”
After impressing coaches throughout the offseason, freshman linebacker Grant Beerman got his first taste of the gridiron on Saturday. While he didn’t record any stats, he did his job well enough to earn more playing time.
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“I’ve been in this game a long time; I’ve coached inside backers my whole career,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “Grant Beerman is probably one of the most talented linebackers I’ve ever signed.”
Throughout the game, the Illini proved they could roll with the punches. Despite the injuries, the defense transitioned smoothly between linebackers. It will be important to keep that momentum when facing No. 19 Indiana.
Faller: First half offense
It’s no secret that Illinois has struggled in the first half. The Illini barely held on to a 14-13 lead going into halftime at Duke. During Saturday’s game, they only mustered 10 first-half points. The defense kept the Broncos scoreless, but the offense knew they had to be better.
“The bottom line is we’ve got to be more unified, more consistent,” said senior quarterback Luke Altmyer.
Against Duke and Western Michigan, Altmyer started slowly. He missed easy passes and took sacks. It didn’t help that the ground game couldn’t get going either.
Now that the Illini are starting their conference schedule, it won’t be as easy to work through a slow start. The Hoosiers have scored 83 first-half points this season. If the Illini can’t keep up, their unbeaten streak will quickly come to an end.
Riser: Run game
Junior running back Aidan Laughery’s absence left a significant hole in Illinois’ rushing depth. Junior Kaden Feagin and sophomore Ca’Lil Valentine each stepped up to ensure that Laughery wasn’t missed too much.
Feagin scored a touchdown for the third-straight game this season and rushed for a season-high 100 yards. The junior also had a pair of receptions in the win, his first two of the season. Bielema was confident that Feagin could pick up the slack heading into the game.
“I said, ‘Today’s your day. I think today will be a day we look back on, that you could put the team on your back,’” Bielema said. “Ironically, (that’s) how it happened in that third and fourth quarter.”
Valentine also contributed a touchdown and set career-highs in attempts (10) and rushing yards (63).
Now, with Laughery expected to return against Indiana, Illinois has three strong options to turn to on run plays.
Faller: Offensive line
Altmyer picked up right where he left off last season in terms of production. Across his first three games, the quarterback threw for 709 yards and eight touchdowns, all without being picked off.
One area of concern, however, is how often Altmyer has been brought down. Altmyer has already been sacked nine times this year, fifth-most among FBS quarterbacks.
The offensive line in front of Altmyer has been shaky at times this season, especially early in games. As Illinois enters a tough conference schedule, the group will need to play better to give the offense time to work.
Indiana’s defense, with eight sacks this year, will provide a formidable foe for the struggling unit.
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