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Illinois Football: Defense Continues to Impress in Win Over Central Michigan

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Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois football improves its record to 3-0 after beating the Central Michigan  Chippewas in Champaign Illinois on Saturday—another impressive performance from the Illini holding Central Michigan to under 10 points. While Aaron Henry’s defense is thriving there are still question marks surrounding the Illini defense. With that said, let’s dive into the Illini vs. Chippewas.

Illinois Football Offense

 

For the second straight game, the Illini offense had an impressive first drive. They drove right down the field and quarterback Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant from 11 yards out for an easy touchdown. However, after that, the offense struggled to find their rhythm not scoring another touchdown in the first half. Their offense struggled with penalties, which caused a lot of drives to stall out. The Illini led at the half 13-6 after a school record 59-yard field goal from Ethan Moczulski.

As for the second half, the Illini came out firing once again scoring on a four-play 75-yard drive that finished with another touchdown from Luke Altmyer to Pat Bryant from 20 yards out. Luke Altmyer was great in this one finishing 19-29 for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Again, Luke had no turnovers and looked comfortable throughout the game.

There are just so many playmakers on this offense with Zakhari Franklin feeling like he is always open and the running back room which struggled to get into a rhythm early, but found a way to get going. The Illini finished with 137 yards on the ground. Freshman running back Ca’Lil Valentine impressed in limited touches once again finishing with five carries for 53 yards. Aidan Laughery missed this game opening more opportunities for him.

Illinois Football Defense

As for the Illini defense, they were terrific once again not allowing a touchdown to the Chippewas. The Illini defense made things tough on quarterback Joe Labas sacking him three times and causing two turnovers from him.

Illini football defensive back Xavier Scott got his hands on his third interception in as many games, as he continues his case to being an All-Big Ten performer. Junior Gabe Jacas had a tremendous game, always seeming to be around the football and he finished with two tackles for loss along with one sack. Transfer defensive lineman from Florida State Dennis Briggs Jr. also continues to impress as he once again sacked the quarterback, and had three tackles.

The way this Illini defense has been playing is making last season look like the outlier over the past few seasons. The defense will once again be tested next week, traveling to Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers.

Illinois Football Special Teams

 

The Illini special teams impressed once again in this one. David Olano missed his first kick of the day from 54 yards out. The kick was online, just fell a little short, but I do not feel like he got all of that. He hit his next two kicks to finish the day 2/3. Perhaps, the most impressive thing we saw all day was Ethan Moczulski’s drilling record-breaking 59-yarder right before the half.

Punter Hugh Robertson had another solid day, averaging 44 yards a punt and pinning Central Michigan inside the 20 twice. One other special team’s note is that Mac Resetich has lost his punt return gig to Hank Beatty which we thought could happen after last week.. Beatty had a good day returning punts having an impressive 28-yard return.

Final thoughts

I know this Illini offense scored 30 points, however, they were still frustrating to watch. Whether that be because of penalties, poor execution, or a bad game plan Barry Lunney and the Illini offense need to figure out a way to be more consistent and that starts with coaching and play of the offensive line.

As for the defense, do not change a thing. They are flying all over the field and making plays and making opposing quarterbacks’ lives hell. I think it is fair to say that the Illini defense is very good, the special teams may be elite, and the Illini offense is a work in progress. Unfortunately, that seems to be the issue with this program for over the past decade. Let’s hope they get it straightened on the road next week against Nebraska, which will be a very hostile environment.

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Dylan is an experienced content creator who brings years of experience to Armchair Illini. He has had work featured on Writing Illini, Fansided, SI and more.

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