If you watched Saturdays thrashing of the Wisconsin Badgers, in Bielema’s return to Madison, then you are probably living on cloud 9 this beautiful fall Monday. If you didn’t watch the game, no, you are not reading this wrong. Growth and progress are toxically in the air at the smith center in Champaign.
The Illini found themselves on the high ground of a 34-10 beatdown of the Badgers in Camp Randall, a task that has not been accomplished in over 20 years for the Fighting Illini. Who better to get the job done than Bret Bielema, former leader of the Badgers, who led to program to 3 Big Ten Championships, and pole vaulted their way into continued success that lasted until recent history, after his departure.
What made this game even more beautiful to the Illini eyes, was the growth that finally came together in front of all of us, that proved Illinois to be the better football team, not a fluke. This was no “Bad Day” for Wisconsin, that the Illini pounced on, rather Illinois just being the better team. Why am I telling you this? When was the last time Illinois has put themselves in the positions they are in now? Experts think you can win the west in year 2 of the Bielema era, and I deeply encourage Illinois fans to sit back and think about that, as a reminder of how quickly this staff has grown this program.
What Happened?
Barry Lunney Jr and his Illini offense went to work on Saturday, churning 304 yards of total offense against highly respected and decorated Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonard. Of those 304 yards, Tommy DeVito produced 167 of them through the air on 18/24 passing. Isaiah Williams had 7 receptions on the day for 31 yards and was a great asset to get the sticks moving against a talented Wisconsin Defensive Back unit. Not quite the explosive game we have seen out of Isaiah, but a consistent chain mover, that extends drives, leading to points. Brian Hightower and Pat Bryant were the guys that were able to get this offense moving down the field. Hightower had a career day with 5 receptions for 59 yards. Brian was the added deep threat to go along with Pat Bryant that the Illini have been patiently waiting for out of this receiving core. If the consistency continues for Brian, it will be a big deal moving forward to keep opponents on their heels and give DeVito another go-to-guy in the passing attack. Pat Bryant continues to show his growth Under Wide Receivers coach George McDonald, having himself a nice day after a pair of completed deep balls, giving him 4 receptions on the day, for 51 yards. In our NowBN.com pre-game write up, I discussed how important a balanced passing attack was going to for this team moving forward, and if they wanted to beat Wisky, the Illini had to pass the ball well. They did, and the Illini dominated Jim Leonard’s defense through the air.
Defensively, Ryan Walters continues to shine as the Illini have set themselves apart as one of the top defensive units in the nation. 10 points allowed against a Wisconsin offense, that produced 21 against Ohio State a week ago is an impressive sight to see. Wisconsin was only able to produce 208 yards of total offense, and all 10 of the Badgers points, came within the first half. The Badger offense went 4-14 on third down, and only allowed 2 yards rushing the entire game. An insane stat of a defense that allowed Braelon Allen to run wild all over them a short year ago for 131 yards, while Chez Mellusi also had 145 yards of his own. Though it was a widespread group effort, Quan Martin led the way for the Illini in solo tackles with 7, a TFL, and a sack. Taz Nicholson and Kendall Smith found themselves with an INT a piece, which of course have been extremely important to the Illini this season. Smith has stepped forward a lot this season and earned a ton respect, coming back to the program and playing his best career ball after considering leaving the program after last season.
What’s Next?
Why not one big game after another right? The Illini have positioned themselves in great spot for a sellout game against the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday in Champaign. A 6:30 PM kickoff under the lights at Memorial is a recipe for fun in the air, as the Illini will look to continue their growth, and raise eyebrows against an Iowa team that is not feeling themselves right now. A frustratingly bad Hawkeye offense will be in for a ride with this Ryan Walters defense, who is not the guy you want to face when desperately trying to get an offensive rhythm.
The Illini have a very real opportunity to continue a special season, in what I would expect to be a rocking Memorial Stadium, for the first time since North Carolina in 2016. Coming off a 27-14 loss to Michigan, will the Hawkeyes be motivated enough to knock the Illini off the high horse, or will this be another step in a very special season? Only time will tell.
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