Illinois (7-4, 4-4), reeling in the wake of its loss to four-win Wisconsin, returns home for one final test. The Illini are set to take on the Northwestern Wildcats (6-5, 4-4) in the battle for the Land of Lincoln Trophy.
Under the November sky, the brightest stars could be Illinois’ seniors. In the first November night game in Gies Memorial Stadium’s history, the group plays at home for the final time.
“I want Senior Day to have everybody in tears because it happened,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “A lot was made last week that, in my five years, I’d won the most games of any (Illinois) coach in the first five years. These guys are a part of that. That’s not me. … That’s all of those guys that have been with me through the thick and thin of it.”
Any of the Illini’s nearly 30 seniors could make an impact Saturday, but all eyes will be on three — linebacker Gabe Jacas, quarterback Luke Altmyer and receiver Hank Beatty — as the team takes the field.
Gabe Jacas
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Jacas recorded a pair of sacks against Wisconsin for his second two-sack game of November. The performance gave him 25 in his career and moved him into sole possession of second place on Illinois’ all-time sack leaderboard.
Jacas is well behind Simeon Rice’s program-leading 44.5 and could have trouble picking up any sacks this weekend. Northwestern’s Preston Stone is one of the toughest quarterbacks to bring down in the conference, suffering just 13 sacks this season.
Luke Altmyer
For the most part, Northwestern’s defense has kept opponents in check this season. The Wildcats have allowed 21 points per game but allowed more than that in each of their last three games.
Altmyer captains an offense that’s also bucking a trend. The Illini have scored over 30 points per game this season but have hit the under in four of their last five.
Altmyer himself has been a different player as of late. The quarterback is using his legs more, recording at least 20 rushing yards in each of his last four games. In the same span, he’s completed just 61.6 percent of his passes (77/125). In the seven games prior, he’d completed 72.4% (139/192).
He’s also thrown five picks this year, all across the last five games.
Linebacker Mac Uihlein is the Wildcats’ primary interception threat. The graduate student’s four picks this year are the second-most in the Big Ten.
Northwestern is among the best teams in the conference at limiting passing yards, meaning Illinois could be in for another run-heavy game.
When Altmyer has thrown in recent weeks, he’s been finding a wider variety of targets. Among receivers, there’s one connection that’s been strong all season.
Hank Beatty
Beatty has the chance to put the finishing touches on his breakout season. The senior already has over 1,000 yards this season between receptions and punt returns but has been quieter over his past two games.
Beatty has five and seven receptions, respectively, over his past two games, but none for more than 10 yards.
Altmyer and Beatty have a chance to rekindle their connection, but with heavy snow in the forecast and Northwestern’s ability to limit passing yards, Illinois may turn towards more run plays.
Illinois’ seniors play their final home game Saturday under the lights. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
