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Illinois Football: 3 adjustments for the Illini after Wisconsin loss

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 23, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (9) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal (45) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (9) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal (45) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois football
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 30: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith before the Red Box Bowl between the California Golden Bears and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The game on Friday night against Wisconsin didn’t go as planned for the Illinois football team or the fanbase.

Wisconsin started the game off well by recovering an Illinois fumble on the second play of the game. From that point, the Illini struggled to get anything going on offense. This led to Wisconsin having the ball a lot and the Illinois defense wearing down. A 45-7 drubbing was the result.

I could probably make a list of about 100 things Illinois needs to adjust after the Wisconsin game. How about we don’t turn the ball over more than the other team? The Illini were 5-2 in 2019 when they won the turnover battle, 0-4 when they lost it and 1-1 when it was a tie.

On Friday night, Illinois had two turnovers compared to Wisconsin who only had one turnover. I could point out the Illini secondary who gave up three big plays that enabled the Badgers to score points. It was unacceptable what the secondary was doing by letting the Wisconsin players run wild in the middle of the field.

But I am not going to go into extensive talks about those issues. I want to point out three adjustments that need to be made moving forward. These three things will help the Orange and Blue win games the rest of the season.

Here are three adjustments the Illini need to make after the Wisconsin loss.

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