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

5. All 3 phases are clicking

In what seems like every press conference Lovie Smith has, he continuously stresses the three phases of football which are offense, defense and special teams. Illinois needs to have a good game in all three phases of the game this weekend.

Obviously, the offense needs to have a good game because they need to put up points. Without points, a team can’t win a game. The offense goes as AJ Bush goes against South Florida. His legs will be huge. Illinois also needs to get at least two of the running backs going as well. Mike Epstein and Reggie Corbin need to dominate the Bulls’ defensive line.

Illinois’ defense is going to be extremely important as well. Their defensive backs have struggled this year due to suspensions and injuries, but they are starting to gel. They need to come in guns blazing so there aren’t any deep passes given up. The defensive line and linebackers need to help keep contain as well. Letting a good South Florida rushing attack get loose would kill this Illini team.

The final phase is going to be even more important than usual in this game against the Bulls. Last week, against Georgia Tech, South Florida would have lost the game if it wasn’t for their special teams. They ended up having two kickoffs returned for touchdowns. That is 14 points from the special teams.

This will be the first game the Illini special teams have been tested. They need to stay in their lanes and keep discipline. If they can do this, I am sure South Florida will stay in check on special teams. This would help the Illini get the win.