Keys For Illinois Football to Take Down Washington in Week 9

Illinois Football travels to Seattle for a pivotal Week 9 clash with the 5–2 Washington Huskies — a matchup that feels like a true toss-up and could go a long way in defining the Illini’s season, especially with this seemingly standing as their toughest remaining test on the schedule.

Coming off a bye week and looking to bounce back from a 30–16 loss to No. 1 Ohio State, Bret Bielema’s squad faces the added challenge of navigating and hostile territory, playing in front of 70.00+ at the always rowdy Husky Stadium. Luckily, Illinois should be in full health minus DB Xavier Scott. However, question remains – how will this veteran roster respond to pressure coming off a loss and a bye week? What adjustments were made?

Of course, the long and unfamiliar travel to the west coast could play a factor as well.

Washington, meanwhile, is looking to rebound themselves, and re-establish consistency following a 24-7 loss to Michigan in Ann Arbor. A slough of injuries across the offensive line and defense has slowed the Huskies in recent weeks. However, some key contributors expected to return, Jedd Fisch’s team remains dangerous — especially at home, where the Huskies are 3-1 this season.

With both teams battling for that crucial fourth-place spot in the Big Ten and a place in the College Football Playoff conversation, this matchup undoubtedly carries major postseason implications.

That said, it’s going to be a battle in The Emerald City.

Biggest Threat From the Washington Huskies

Washington’s ground game centers on running back Jonah Coleman, a powerful 5’9, 228-pound runner who ranks second in the Big Ten in all purpose yards. Mills has racked up 872 total yards on the year thus far, including 568 rushing, 304 receiving, and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

If Mills finds a rhythm, he could be a nightmare for Illinois’ defense.

That said, Washington’s offensive line has struggled to stay healthy in recent weeks, making it difficult for their backs to get going — as seen against Maryland, Rutgers, and Michigan. While the Huskies may have some or all of their starters returning this week, they are unlikely to be at full strength immediately. If the Huskies’ line does gel, however, Mills could create opportunities for Demond Williams Jr. to exploit gaps in Aaron Henry’s defense, and keep Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense off the field.

Best Opportunity For Illinois Football to Take Down the Huskies

Illinois’ best chance to get out of Seattle with a win, is by controlling the line of scrimmage.

Washington’s banged-up offensive line presents a prime opportunity for Gabe Jacas and the Illini front seven to generate pressure on the Huskies dangerous dual-threat quarterback and disrupt the rhythm of Jimmie Dougherty’s offense. The Illini’s defensive front has struggled to this point to generate consistent pressure. However, coming off a bye week – Illinois has had a lot of time to make adjustments, and prepare for this Washington offense.

Likewise, Bart Miller’s OL is starting to find its stride, giving Illinois a chance to establish its own running game early. The Huskies’ struggles to generate pressure this season leave Illinois in an ideal spot to let Luke Altmyer operate with space and confidence against a defense that has had lapses under former Illini DC Ryan Walters.

If Henry’s defense can turn up the heat on Demond Williams Jr. while establishing rhythm in the run game, Illinois Football has a great shot to walk out of Seattle with a crucial victory.

Illinois Football. Bret Bielema. Illini Walk. Memorial Stadium. Champaign, IL. Photo Credit. Illinois Football on Instagram. (@IlliniFootball).

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