Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: 5 keys to beating the South Florida Bulls

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Illinois football
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 02: Chayce Crouch /

2. Quick passes on offense

The struggles of the Illinois offensive line have been well chronicled throughout the past five seasons. This season started much like the other ones finishing with confusion up-front and not knowing assignments. But, last week seemed to be a step forward for this offensive line.

I was really impressed with how improved the offensive line was against Western Kentucky. There were a few factors in the improvement. The first factor is they seemed to know their assignments better and they were gelling as well. Gabe Megginson really stood out, and I was pleasantly surprised with his play. Nick Allegretti was another offensive lineman that did a great job against the Hilltoppers. Their overall development was one of the reasons why the offensive line was improved.

The second reason the offensive line was improved was because of the play calling. After the narrow win against Ball State, it was clear the offensive line needed better play calling. The coaches couldn’t continue dropping Crouch back and expecting the offensive line to maintain a pocket for four or five seconds. That is why, I believe, you saw a lot of quick passes against Western Kentucky.

Crouch did well when he had a three step drop and could hit Mike Dudek on a hitch. This is his type of game. He needs the quick passes to be more successful on the football field. This is why needs to happen against South Florida.

The Bulls have an experienced defense that will bring pressure on Crouch if he is in the pocket for more than three seconds. Illinois needs to continue tailoring their play calling around quick passes to prevent sacks or turnovers. This will help Crouch, the offense and hopefully the scoreboard.

Home/Illinois Football