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Illinois Football: Top performers against Western Kentucky

By Rees Woodcock

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks over the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 31-16. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks over the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 31-16. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 15: A general view of Memorial Stadium as the Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 15, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 17-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

1. Nate Hobbs

The Ball State Cardinals hurt the Illini in the passing game by targeting true freshmen last week. One of the true freshmen they went at was cornerback Nate Hobbs.

Hobbs had good straight line covering ability. He could keep up with the wide receiver on go routes but struggled when the wide receiver would come back for the ball. He constantly gave the pass catcher a big cushion and that enabled the Cardinals to do 6-10 yard passes all day long.

This Saturday was different, though. Hobbs played really well and I was impressed how Hardy Nickerson adjusted the game plan to fit Hobbs’ abilities.

Hobbs finished the game with six tackles, tied for the lead on the team, and one tackle for a loss. That wasn’t the most impressive part, though. Hobbs stuck out to me because Western Kentucky knew he was the weak point in the defense and they went at him. He held his own on the outside and that is why he is one of the top performers. This could have been a long day for the defense if it wasn’t for Hobbs.

Illinois also brought more blitzes against the Hilltoppers as well. This made quarterback Mike White throw the ball quicker and less accurate resulting in more incompletions and turnovers. But, overall, I was extremely impressed by Hobbs last night. He took a step forward and I can’t wait to see him grow.

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