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Illinois Football: 5 keys to beating the Nebraska Cornhuskers

By Rees Woodcock

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith winces as he watches the South Florida Bulls score a touchdown during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Lovie Smith winces as he watches the South Florida Bulls score a touchdown during the second quarter of their game at Raymond James Stadium September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 15: Wide receiver Ricky Smalling
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 15: Wide receiver Ricky Smalling /

4. Ricky Smalling

Illinois had a really good class of 2017 come into the program and we have seen some players used already this season. One of the players that emerged against South Florida was wide receiver, Ricky Smalling.

Smalling was one of the highest rated players coming out of this class. He was added to a wide receiver core that is one of the best in the Big Ten. His presence really wasn’t felt until the game against the Bulls. He ended up having 3 receptions for 99 yards including a 76-yard catch and run.

Illinois needs to get Smalling more involved in the game plan against South Florida. He is quick and has good hands. This means he is great with wide receiver screens and short passes. He can turn those catches into big gains with yards after the catch.

Having shorter passes to Smalling will help with Crouch’s confidence as well. He needs to complete more passes to get into a groove and having Smalling catch some quick passes and taking them for bigger gains will help tremendously.

The Illini have involved many freshmen in the game plan already and they need to continue getting the ball to Smalling. He will help in the passing game against a terrible Nebraska pass defense.

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