Matchup to Watch: Illinois’ Star Receiver vs. IU's Depleted Secondary

Written by Ethan Roberts

The Indiana Hoosiers travel to Champaign, Illinois Saturday at noon, where they will take on the Fighting Illini. The 3-6 Hoosiers have entered playoff mode and are fighting to keep bowl hopes alive. What key matchup will determine the outcome?

Isaiah Williams, the leading wide receiver for Illinois, has just under 700 yards receiving on the year and three touchdowns. The former four-star high school prospect is a speedster with the ability to burn defenders over the top and assist in the vertical attack. 

The junior previously played quarterback for the Fighting Illini before transitioning to receiver prior to the 2022 season. According to a 247Sports article, his productive 2023 campaign is thanks in part to his transition to a pure slot receiver.

Williams’ 693 receiving yards ranks second in the Big Ten, only behind consensus future first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. It is evident that The Hoosiers secondary will have their handful Saturday.

On the Hoosiers’ side of things, there are several questions. The biggest question concerns the health of the unit. Defensive backs Noah Pierre (Redshirt Senior) and Jamier Johnson (Junior) were absent in last Saturday's win over Wisconsin. 

The young defensive backs that stepped up allowed several broken plays over the top, which cannot happen against the Fighting Illini. With both experienced defensive backs possibly out Saturday, the young Hoosiers will need to step up.

The Hoosiers allow just under 200 passing yards per game, which ranks 8th in the Big Ten. The Fighting Illini are averaging 233 passing yards per game, which ranks 4th in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers will face a tough test this weekend. 

In games that IU won they allowed 158.3 passing yards per game, and in games that they lost they allowed 213.5 passing yards per game, so if the Hoosiers can keep Illinois under 200 yards passing, they can give Brendan Sorsby and company a shot to win the game.

The emergence of Isaiah Williams has been a pleasant surprise in Champaign, Illinois. Will the Hoosiers be able to keep a breakout game at bay? And do the Hoosiers have the secondary depth to take on the Fighting Illini? 

Tune in to the Hoosier Huddle Saturday for a recap of the game.