Week 11 Know Your Opponent: Illinois Fighting Illini

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Head Coach: Bret Bielema

Overall: 15-16, third season

Bowl Appearances at Illinois: One – ReliaQuest Bowl in 2022

Colors: Orange and Blue

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: Five (1914, 1919, 1923, 1927, 1951)

Conference Titles: 15 (most recently in 2001)

Heisman Winners: Zero

Last Week: 27-26 Win Over Minnesota

Statistical Leaders

Passing: Luke Altmyer – 175 for 270 for 1883 yards with 13 touchdowns

Rushing: Kaden Feagin – 418 yards for 4.7 yards per carry with two touchdowns

Receiving: Isaiah Williams – 59 receptions for 693 yards

Tackles: Dylan Rosiek – 54 tackles including 34 solo

Stat of the Week: Backup quarterback John Paddock entered the game for an injured Luke Altmyer with the Illini trailing 26-21 and facing a fourth-and-11 situation. The Ball State transfer converted the third down with a completion to Isaiah Williams, connected with Pat Bryant for another first down and then hit on a 46-yard touchdown to Williams to win the game. Paddock was 3-3 for 85 yards with the game-winning touchdown. 

Illini Talking Points

1. The Emergence of Kaden Feagin

An injury to running back Reggie Love III has forced true freshman Kaden Feagin into a larger role than initially expected. That has been to the Illini’s benefit as Feagin looks like a star in the making. Despite playing behind a subpar offensive line, Feagin has found success. He’s a big back that is tough to bring down and his 54-yard receiving touchdown against Minnesota showed he can be a playmaker as well. Feagin is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and will likely be the go-to back against Indiana.

2. Jer’Zhan Newton is an All-Big Ten Performer

Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton was kicked out of the game against Wisconsin for a dubious targeting call. That prevented him from playing the first half against Minnesota and the Gophers had success on offense without him in the lineup. As soon as he entered the contest in the second half, the offensive success ceased for Minnesota. The Golden Gophers were held to 2 for 11 passing and just 32 yards on 18 carries while Newton was in the contest. The future NFL player has 4.5 sacks plus 5.5 tackles for loss and he elevates the play of everyone else on the defense. 

3. Offensive Line Woes

Illinois is 4-5 but they still somehow have a chance (albeit a small one) to win the dreadful Big Ten West. They cannot thank the offensive line for any of their four victories. This is one of the worst offensive lines the Hoosiers will face this season and IU’s defensive line and linebackers will have a chance to make some plays in the Illini backfield. Isaiah Williams a very good wide receiver and Feagin is an emerging running back. The defense has some bright spots and a force in Newton. As IU fans have seen before though, if the offensive line is woeful, the team has a low ceiling. Exploiting Illinois’ offensive line is IU’s best path to a fourth win and a chance to keep bowl hopes alive.