Illinois Football: Preview of the Illini offense against Wisconsin
The Illinois football offense is going to need to be ready for a Wisconsin defense that is going to bring pressure.
Illinois beating Wisconsin last season was huge, but that victory doesn’t count for their 2020 record. This is a whole new year and the focus needs to be on beating the Badgers again. The Illini offense is going to need to score some points to accomplish this goal.
Here is a preview of the Illini offense against Wisconsin.
Quarterback
I have learned a new saying about the game of football over the last couple of months. That saying is; make sure every offensive possession ends with some type of kick.
I think that mentality has to go into effect, especially with Wisconsin. The main drive behind that saying should be quarterback, Brandon Peters.
In 2019, when Illinois upset No. 6 Wisconsin, Peters didn’t turn the ball over. He threw for 174 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. I think he can replicate that on Friday.
Peters is a good quarterback, but the strength of the Wisconsin football team in 2020 is their secondary. Having someone as experienced as Peters bodes well for the Illini, though. He knows when to take risks with the ball and when not to. He isn’t going to cost us the game. Thankfully, Illinois is in a position where the quarterback role is strong. That hasn’t happened in years.
Running Back
Illinois has a chance to figure out their running attack on Friday. Wisconsin lost some serious firepower in their front seven, so the Illini should be able to expose the Badger’s weaknesses.
I would imagine Mike Epstein gets the start with a timeshare of him and Chase Brown. This one-two punch is going to be a headache for the Wisconsin defense. Don’t be surprised to see Reggie Love and Company peppered in as well.
Last season, Illinois actually had success running the ball against the Badgers. As a team, the Illini had 35 carries for 141 yards and 1 touchdown. I think Wisconsin is weaker up front this year compared to last year. This should spell good news for the Orange and Blue on the ground.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Nine receptions to six different pass catchers in 2019 was one of the recipes for success in the upset of No. 6 Wisconsin. That could happen again in 2020.
Illinois lost veteran Ricky Smalling, but what they lose in Smalling they are getting back in other talented pass catchers. Let’s start off with a new addition in Brian Hightower.
Hightower is a former four-star recruit who transferred in from Miami (FL). This kid should be a burner for the Orange and Blue and will help take the top off defenses. Another notable newcomer is Luke Ford.
While Ford was with the team last season, he wasn’t eligible to play due to NCAA transfer rules. Ford is suiting up this year, though. He should be the best receiving option at tight end for the Illini. Much like Hightower, Ford is also a former four-star recruit.
At wide receiver, Illinois has Hightower, Josh Imatorbhebhe, Trevon Sidney and Casey Washington as the main pass catchers. Those four, along with some additional solid depth at wide receiver, should help Peters in the passing game.
Tight end isn’t a weakness for the Illini anymore either. With Ford becoming eligible, he should be able to handle most of the pass-catching duties. Daniel Barker and Daniel Imatorbhebhe will be two tight ends who shouldn’t be overlooked either. Illinois has a three-headed monster ready to take the field.
Offensive Line
The strength of the Illinois football team is clearly the offensive line. They are the best grouping out of the entire team and will prove that fact even more in 2020.
Wisconsin does have a couple of solid defensive ends returning this season, which should be a test for an experienced Illini offensive line. Especially since the Badgers play a 3-4 defense, the Illinois tackles will be key in stopping the pass rush.
Both Alex Palczewski and Vederian Lowe will be anchoring the tackle positions. They both are seniors this season and have a number of starts under their belts. I imagine the Wisconsin defensive line is going to be stunting a lot too. This means the Illini guards are going to be important in knowing their assignment.
I am comfortable with junior guard, Kendrick Green. The talented Peoria native is arguably the best offensive lineman the Illini have on the team. But I am curious to see how Verdis Brown performs. He is getting the starting nod this season and was a former four-star recruit.
And, last but not least, Illinois center Doug Kramer is extremely important. Wisconsin will be lining up a nose tackle over Kramer, so he has to worry about assignments and the man right over his face. But, thankfully, Kramer is a senior and has a ton of experience.
Overall, the Illinois offensive line is going to be huge on Friday. The experience will shine through for this unit.