Illinois Football: Defense Stands strong in Marquee win over Kansas

The Illinois Football program was able to pull off their first win over a ranked opponent in five years. The Fighting Illini were able to take care of business 23-17 at home over the #19 ranked Kansas Jayhawks. Some would say this win is a program changer for Brett Bielema’s crew, and I would tend to agree. Let’s dive into how they got it done.

Illinois Football Offense

THIS SNAG WAS CLEAAANNNN! 🧼 @ZakhariFranklin was so smooth with this for @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/GlDq557VvN

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 8, 2024

The Illini offense had a tough night at the office overall. It started well as their offense marched down the field on their first possession. Unfortunately on a 3rd down sophomore running back Aidan Laughery could not come down with a wide-open pass from Luke Altmyer that hit his hands.

After that, their offense seemed to get bullied up front, as they were unable to open holes in the running game and protect their quarterback at times. On top of that, the defense outscored the offense for three-quarters of this game 7-6.

Heading into the fourth quarter the Illini were down 17-13. The Illini offense was then finally able to get into a rhythm for the first time since the opening drive. Luke Altmyer extended the drive with his legs once, after taking a sack. Later in the drive on third and 10 he was able to find Pat Bryant on a corner route for 28 yards to get down to the one-yard line. Sophomore running back Kaden Feagin then finished off that drive with a one-yard TD run.

After a three-and-out forced by the Illini defense, the offense took control one more time eating the clock. They went on a 15-play drive which ate more than six minutes off the clock, capped off by a 43-yard field goal by David Olano.

The offense struggled for the most part outside of the last two drives Luke Altmyer came in clutch. He was the perfect game manager going 16-25 for 192 yards but made huge plays when the team needed him the most. His chemistry was on point with wide receiver Zakhari Franklin who finished with nine catches for 99 yards. The offense didn’t do a lot, but they did enough to win the game.

Illinois Football Defense

The Fighting Illini take down No. 19 Kansas!! I-L-L 🔹🔸 @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/Tgq5jHmzno

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 8, 2024

The Illinois defense had a fantastic night from the Kansas opening drive. The “Scott Brothers” were able to intercept senior quarterback Jalon Daniels three times. One by Miles Scott, and two first-half interceptions by Xavier Scott including a pick-six that gave the Illini a 13-10 lead at halftime.

All in all the Illini secondary held up against a very good group of skill players Kansas possesses. They made Jalon Daniels life hard even though he is one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the country. He finished with just 141 yards through the air going 18-32 with two touchdowns and the three interceptions while also fumbling as time expired.

Running back Devin Neal was still able to get his, by getting 14 carries for 114 yards. However, the Illini avoided allowing him to break big plays like he did last season in Lawrence Kansas. For the second straight week, Aaron Henry’s crew have really stepped up and made a name for themselves

Illinois Football Special Teams

The Fighting Illini Special teams unit had a roller coaster of a night. The good was David Olano banging through three huge field goals. Olano hit from 23, 50, and 43 to give the Illini a six-point lead. The Illini kicker has been the bright spot of the Illini special teams unit through the first two weeks of the season.

Now, the bad. That was Mac Resetich tonight who muffed his second punt in as many weeks. I would be surprised if we saw Resetich get another chance. Resetich was not on the field for the Jayhawks’ next punt, it was Hank Beatty who I would expect to now take over the punt return duties.

Final thoughts

THAT IS A STATEMENT WIN FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS pic.twitter.com/EykIDUQ5a8

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) September 8, 2024

My final thoughts are, what a great win for this Illini program. Illini fans all over the country should be thrilled with how their team was able to pull out a victory. Even when things were not all great at times, they did not panic. This is the first time under Brett Bielema that they have started the season out 2-0 and the players, coaches, and fans deserve to celebrate.

Looking ahead now, the Illini take on Central Michigan next week. The Illini will be favored in that game and should take care of business. If that happens Illini would be 3-0 heading into Nebraska the following week. Buckle up Illini fans, this is going to be a fun ride.

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