Illinois Football: 3 keys for the Illini to beat the Wisconsin Badgers

3. Illini linebackers need to step up

The last point I want to make about how Illinois can come away with a win on Friday has to do with the linebacker play.

Illinois’ defense is going to be up against Graham Mertz at quarterback. The usual Jack Coan won’t be starting for Wisconsin due to an injury. So, the redshirt freshman Mertz is slotted into the starting role.

Mertz threw for 73 yards last season in very limited action. The kid was a four-star recruit who was ranked as one of the best players in the country. So, the talent is obviously there for Mertz to put up some big numbers.

The Illinois linebackers are going to need to step up and lock down the short to intermediate range. Mertz can’t get going by completing the short passes or the Illini defense could end up struggling.

Jake Hansen is going to man the middle of the Illinois defense. I am not too worried about him making Mertz question his decision making. I need to see players like Shammond Cooper and Milo Eifler be able to wreak havoc on the Wisconsin running backs coming out of the backfield for a pass.

I would imagine the Badgers are going to do a lot of little passes to get Mertz’s confidence up. Having Cooper come down on the running back is going to be important. Being able to body the tight ends and keep on them will be crucial as well.

I think the defense sees success if the Illinois linebackers see success. They are going to make this game competitive. I look for the Illini linebackers to be a key in a victory for the Orange and Blue.