How Illinois Football dominated the reigning national champions

Illinois football had another test against a  top-25 team, this time the reigning National Champion Michigan Wolverines. Illinois led from the first drive and won the game 21-7. The Illinois football defense was the big reason why they were able to secure this victory.

The Illini Defense & Special Teams Leads them to Victory

FAKE PUNT ALERT 🚨

Tanner Arkin keeps it and @IlliniFootball are now in the red zone 🤩#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/gNzPge1RV3

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 19, 2024

After a disappointing performance against Purdue last week where they allowed 49 points, the Illini defense had their best game of the year.

The defense controlled this game and took advantage of poor quarterback play from Michigan. Junior Gabe Jacas had his best game in an Illini Uniform. Jacas secured 13 tackles while sacking quarterback Jack Tuttle 2.5 times and forcing a fumble. If Jacas was not on NFL Draft radars going into this one, he sure would be now.

The defense forced three turnovers in this including two forced fumbles and an interception late by Matthew Bailey. They also had five sacks and held a strong Michigan running attack to just 3.0 yards per carry.

I would be remiss not to mention the Illini special teams in this one as well. The Illini changed the game in the second half with a fake punt. They were up 13-7 and about to punt the ball back to Michigan when Bret Bielema called a fake punt that worked to perfection. They snapped it to the up man, Tanner Arkin, who ran 36 yards to set Illinois up for a scoring drive.

Illinois Football Offense Does Just Enough

Luke Altmyer ➡️ Tanner Arkin 👀@IlliniFootball extends their lead at home 💥#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/HM4rZCyWny

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 19, 2024

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer continued to play clean football which Bret Bielema likes to preach. Luke threw for just 80 yards and a touchdown to Tanner Arkin, however, used his legs to make plays.

The Illinois rushing attack as a whole had a great day. They averaged just a tick under five yards per carry on 38 attempts. Josh McCray finished with 17 carries for 50 yards in this one, while Aidan Laughery got in the mix having nine carries for 54 yards. Those two backs will be a big part of the Illini offense for the rest of the season. Bret Bielema announced after the game that Kaden Feagin had surgery and will be out for the rest of the season. 

Look Ahead to Oregon

The Illinois schedule does not ease up. Illinois football is traveling to Eugene, Oregon to take on Dillon Gabriel and the Oregon Ducks who could be the number one team in the country.

Regardless, we know that the Illini will be ready to play. They have played in a ruckus environment vs Penn State and at Nebraska. Hopefully, for Illini fans, this team soaked up that great environment and is ready for an even bigger matchup against the Ducks on CBS in the national spotlight.

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