Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini win over Nebraska

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Nov 21, 2020; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Tarique Barnes (44) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Illinois defense showed up

Coming into the game against Nebraska, Illinois was statistically one of the worst teams in the nation on defense. They were shredded the first three games of the season and it has been a struggle.

Illinois’ pass defense was the pinnacle of the bad defense. They averaged giving up 272.8 passing yards per game, which ranked No. 109 in the nation entering the Nebraska game. But, on Saturday, this Illini bunch showed up in a big way.

The Illini defense was swarming around all day long against the Cornhuskers. Quarterback Luke McCaffrey was only 15-of-26 for 134 yards through the air. While he did have 26 carries for 122 yards, the Illinois defense was able to limit him to just a one-dimensional game.

It wasn’t even the yardage that impressed me about the Illinois defense. They were able to change the game completely with turnovers.

Since Lovie Smith took over the defense, the Illini have been able to force turnovers regularly. I believe our turnovers have won multiple games over the last few years. Against Nebraska, Illinois’ ability to force turnovers launched us into this victory.

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Illinois was able to intercept McCaffrey three times. Each interception killed the confidence of the young quarterback and it changed the field for the Illini. Coming into the game against the Cornhuskers, Illinois had a turnover margin of +0.2, which ranked No. 53 in the nation. That number will increase and the Illini will be ranked higher come Sunday.

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