“Just gotta eat this s— sandwich and keep moving,” said senior linebacker Dylan Rosiek.
There were no minced words after No. 23 Illinois (3-1, 0-1) was dismantled in Bloomington, Indiana, 63-10. It was a bad loss, but the team is focused on moving past it and preparing for No. 21 USC (4-0, 2-0).
A win over the Trojans would give the Illini a much-needed clean slate. They could head to Purdue a confident 4-1. However, USC isn’t exactly an easy team to beat.
Trench battle
Football is a game won and lost in the trenches. The offensive line protects the quarterback, while the defensive line does the exact opposite. USC is among the best in the country in both groups.
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Its offensive line has only allowed three sacks this season, which is among the best in the nation. It won’t be easy, but senior linebacker Gabe Jacas doesn’t think they’ll need to change anything to pressure the quarterback.
“We got a good d-line and rush the passer pretty well,” Jacas said. “We just got to do our jobs and play fundamental football.”
After allowing seven sacks against No. 11 Indiana last week, Illinois’ offensive line has another tough matchup. The Trojans have the most sacks among FBS teams, tied with the Hoosiers. Their defensive line is one of the better groups in the country.
“(They) can do a lot of special things and are really good on the back end as well,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “So we got a tremendous challenge for our offense.”
Bug has passed
The Illini suffered from the injury bug last week against the Hoosiers. They lost nearly every starting defensive back throughout the game. However, it seems that Illinois is getting healthier by the day.
During Thursday’s media availability, Bielema said that everyone practiced this week. Outside of senior defensive back Xavier Scott, who’s likely out for most of the season, the Illini should have their starting secondary back.
It’s not just the defense that’s getting healthy. Bielema said both junior wide receiver Justin Bowick and junior running back Aidan Laughery should be good to go.
The last time Laughery played a full game, he rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns. While fellow junior Kaden Feagin and sophomore Ca’Lil Valentine have done well, Laughery has the potential to be a game-changer. Getting him involved in the offense once again will be a big help against USC’s tough defense.
Back home
Saturday’s game kicks off at 11 a.m. in front of a sold-out Gies Memorial Stadium. Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff is in Champaign for the first time ever, adding even more excitement to the big game. Bielema wants fans to bring the energy.
“To have a home field advantage at the University of Illinois is absolutely awesome,” Bielema said. “I know everybody might have to set their alarm a couple of hours earlier … I know there will be a good buzz in the air.”
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