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Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini win over Penn State

By Rees Woodcock

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 23: llinois Fighting Illini players celebrate after winning the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the ninth overtime at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 23: llinois Fighting Illini players celebrate after winning the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the ninth overtime at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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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
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 /

3. Tarique Barnes is extremely underrated

All day long, the Illinois defense was swarming Penn State. The Nittany Lions couldn’t get anything going, and a big reason for their offensive woes was the play of linebacker, Tarique Barnes.

Barnes was all over the field, but his biggest presence on the field was rushing up the middle. He would wait around in the middle of the defense until the ball was snapped, and then he would tear through the offensive line. This pressure forced Penn State’s quarterback to throw the ball sooner than he would like, or it would make him scramble out of the pocket.

With the absence of middle linebacker, Jake Hansen, Barnes is being called to step up and lead this Illini defense. This isn’t anything new to the talented linebacker, though. He has been performing well all season long.

Coming into the game on Saturday, Barnes was second on the team with 42 tackles. He was also second on the team in pass deflections and forced fumbles. He has been a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Once again, that was the case against Penn State as well. Barnes led the team with seven tackles, which actually felt like more considering he was in on what seemed like every play on Saturday.

The future of the Illinois linebacker corps is bright with a player like Barnes leading the way. He is only a sophomore, so this Illini defense is going to be solid for years to come. He is an impressive player.

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