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Illinois Football: 5 things the Illini need to do to beat South Florida

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 01: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 08: Kenyon Jackson #95 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 08: Kenyon Jackson #95 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Defensive line needs to be on point

The defensive line is still pretty young, but they have clearly made some strides over the offseason and into this year. They need to be on point against a tough South Florida running attack this weekend, though.

The Bulls come in with a solid running game that averages 224 yards per game on the ground. This ranks No. 31 in the nation. They aren’t just a one-man show either. South Florida can change things up and run the ball with multiple players.

Quarterback Blake Barnett seems to be the most dangerous runner of the ball right now. If that name sounds familiar, yes, it is the same Blake Barnett who was with Alabama and then transferred to Arizona State and is now with the Bulls.

Barnett has been solid on the ground. He leads the team in rushing with 122 yards and three touchdowns. In his last game against Georgia Tech, he rushed the ball 16 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Illinois’ defense needs to make sure to keep contain. They can’t let Barnett get loose. He could kill us all game.

A few other running backs to look out for are Duran Bell Jr. and Jordan Cronkite. They each rushed for 69 yards and 39 yards, respectively, against Georgia Tech. I think it is fair to say that South Florida has a three-headed monster on the ground.

The task for the Illinois defensive line is a big one. They need to be able to at least slow down the South Florida rushing attack. This would go a long way in getting the win.

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