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Illinois Football: 3 key numbers for the Illini to beat Chattanooga

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton (94) reacts to a missed stop in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton (94) reacts to a missed stop in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 27: Chase Brown #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the second half at Memorial Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Illinois football program is going up against an FCS team on Thursday, but they should not be overlooked.

Chattanooga is going to put up a tough fight against the Illini. They are one of the best teams in the FCS and have the chops to take down a power-five program.

There are a few numbers that I think could end up deciding the margin of this game, though.

Here are three key numbers for the Illinois football team to beat Chattanooga.

1. 78.0

Illinois football has a really good rushing attack right now. Through three games, we are one of the best teams in the country on the ground.

As of right now, the Illini average 225.7 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 17 in the nation. The leader of this great rushing attack is, obviously, Chase Brown.

Brown has had a tremendous season so far, as he leads the nation in rushing with 496 yards. This performance has helped Illinois to a 2-1 record this year. But, on Thursday, Illinois is going up against a good rush defense in Chattanooga.

The Mocs have been stout this year when stopping the run. This is going to be a matchup of a good running attack against a good run-stopping defense. That is why the 78.0 yards per game allowed on the ground by Chattanooga is going to be a key number on Thursday.

Chattanooga is a good team overall, but their bread and butter is stopping the run. If they end up being able to hold Illinois to anywhere near that 78-yard mark, then they have a legit shot at winning this game.

But I have faith in the Illini. We should be able to break through that tough run defense enough to win the game. Just remember, though, this Mocs team took Kentucky down to the wire last season and held them to just 102 yards on the ground.

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