Remember When Zakhari Franklin Torched the Illini?

Remember When Zakhari Franklin Torched the Illini?

Not that we necessarily need a reminder, but, remember when Zakhari Franklin torched the Illini football team at home?

Of course, 2021 was a big year for Illinois Football. The year marked Bret Bielema’s inaugural season as acting head coach of the Fighting Illini. A season which, started off with a bang for Bret. The Illini snagged a tough 30-22 win over Nebraska at home on “week zero.”  Enthusiasm and buzz surrounding the program were high, and fans were excited about the potential of a bowl in year one of the Bielema era. That is, until Barry Lunney Jr, Zakhari Franklin, and the UTSA Roadrunners brought their talented squad to Champaign in week 2.

Dec 2, 2022; Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Nightmare Fuel

UTSA drew respectable national attention in 2020-2021. Illini fans grew more leery of the Roadrunners as a non-conference opponent by the day it seemed. Certainly, it was a valid feeling considering what followed.

New Illinois addition, and former UTSA wide receiver Zakhari Franklin was a special talent for the Roadrunners. Franklin was a back-to-back all-conference recipient in the C-USA in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, Franklin hauled 1,027 yards over the course of the 2021 season. Not even Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters or 22′ All-American corner Devon Witherspoon had an answer for Zakhari. The talented receiver stepped into Memorial Stadium and delivered a major blow.  In a full-on defensive breakdown, Zakhari hauled in 10 catches, totaling 155 yards, and a big touchdown vs the Illini. A performance that caused high frustration for Illinois, and led UTSA to their first win over a Big Ten program. A defeat that eventually held the Illini from postseason play, despite historical wins over programs like #7 Penn State in 9 OT periods.

Credit: UTSA Football on X (@UTSAFTBL) – 9/4/21

What If’s

Bielema’s first year as the Illini head coach ended with a, “oh so close”  5-7 record in 2021. Much like the season Illini fans encountered in 2023, there were a lot of positives, followed by some heavy “what ifs.” Zakhari Franklin just so happens to be nightmare fuel for the “what ifs” of the 2021 season. Certainly, the program feels as if it is headed in the right direction under Bret Bielema and Josh Whitman. Undoubtedly, however, a bowl game in year one of the Bielema era was attainable, and letting Franklin come in and snag that win away was brutal. Oh how the tides turn, as both Barry Lunney and Zakhari Franklin are now Illini in 2024.

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