Illinois Football: Can the Illini replicate the defensive touchdowns?

A lot of great things happened with the Illinois football team in 2019, which is why we were able to get to six wins and a bowl game.

The offense was clicking at times. Brandon Peters was a solid passer of the football and would dazzle with his legs when needed. Illinois’ wide receivers were impressive as well. The offensive line carried the offense, though. They made the whole process flow. But the Illinois defense is what put us over the top.

There were times the Illinois defense gave up some big-time points, I am not denying that fact. But this group enable the Orange and Blue to win games and they did it in fun fashion. This defense was able to get takeaways and even turn some of those takeaways into touchdowns.

PFF College posted to its Twitter page on Saturday the top five teams in defensive touchdowns in 2019. Oregon and Wisconsin were No. 4 and No. 5 with four touchdowns each. Utah and Missouri were No. 2 and No. 3 with five touchdowns each. And the team that took the No. 1 spot was Illinois with six defensive touchdowns in 2019.

Can we see that many defensive touchdowns next season?

It is always difficult to replicate defensive touchdown numbers. So many things have to go your way to score on the defensive side of the ball. But we do have most of the defensive scoring production returning.

I believe Dele Harding is the only player who isn’t returning for the Illini. He had two of the Illinois defensive touchdowns via interception. But the other four scorers are returning.

Sydney Brown and Tony Adams both had interceptions for touchdowns. They come back and stabilize a strong secondary. The other two touchdowns were scoop and scores via the fumble recovery. Nate Hobbs, also a defensive back, and Milo Eifler accounted for these two scores. They both return this season as well.

So, while defensive touchdowns are hard to replicate, we do have the talent returning who can make plays. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Illinois up in the top five once again. This defense is for real and Lovie Smith coaches to score.