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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the win over Kent State

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: Mike Dudek #18 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the ball as Juantez McRae #25 of the Kent State Golden Flashes pursues at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Kent State 31-24. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: Mike Dudek #18 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the ball as Juantez McRae #25 of the Kent State Golden Flashes pursues at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Kent State 31-24. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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15 OCT 2016: Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Jake Hansen (35) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half of the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini played at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway,NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
15 OCT 2016: Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Jake Hansen (35) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half of the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini played at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway,NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Linebackers help stabilize defense

There have been some special linebackers come through the Illinois football program. You could go through a list of the linebackers who have really made an impact, but Jake Hansen and Del’Shawn Phillips might go down as one of the best duos we have had in a long time.

I will start with the star of the game. Hansen had an incredible performance finishing the game with 15 total tackles, 10 of which were solo, and he also had six tackles-for-loss. The display of tackling he put on against Kent State was one for the ages. He actually set a school record for most tackles-for-loss in a single game for the Illini. In addition to that, his six tackles-for-loss in this game was more tackles-for-loss than any other player had the entire 2017 season. What an incredible day.

Let’s not forget how great Phillips was as well. He ended the day with 12 total tackles, five of which were solo. Phillips was all over the field. He caused chaos on so many different occasions. His veteran leadership helped his team so much. Let’s also not forget the interception he had that sealed the game.

The duo of Hansen and Phillips is going to be amazing this season. They did a great job stabilizing this Illini defense throughout the game. They only gave up seven points in the second half and had the game-winning interception. These two will help make this Illini defense one of the best in the Big Ten.

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