Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini loss to Rutgers

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Oct 30, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) tackles Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Noah Vedral (0) after he released the ball in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ryan Walters impresses me every week

While there seems to be chaos on the offensive side of the ball, the defensive side seems to be functioning at a high level.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has this Illini defense playing some of the best football I have ever seen the team play.

You can look at Rutgers’ numbers for the game. Their quarterbacks were a combined 13-of-27 for 158 yards and zero touchdowns. That is a sub-50% completion rate. The Scarlet Knights running game had a solid day but nothing spectacular. They carried the ball 51 times for 230 yards and two touchdowns. That is just a 4.5 yards per carry average.

But what is the main goal in a game? Don’t give up a ton of points so your team has a chance to win. That is exactly what Walters has accomplished with this Illini defense.

Illinois only gave up 20 points to Rutgers on Saturday. This is the sixth-straight game the Illini have held their opponent to under 25 points, and they have accomplished this goal in seven out of nine games this season.

With three games remaining, Illinois is averaging giving up 23.3 points per game, which ranks No. 45 in the nation. That is a massive improvement from 2020 where Illinois was giving up 34.9 points per game and ranked No. 94 in the nation. The Illini defense is 11.6 points better, and our starting middle linebacker from last season, Jake Hansen, is hurt.

This Illinois football team is competitive for one reason and one reason only. Walters has the Illini defense playing well and keeping us in games.

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