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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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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 23: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts to a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. 8.0-to-5.67

Overall, I would say that I am pretty happy where the Illinois football program is right now. We are moving the ball down the field and playing some of the best defense in the nation.

But this is a game where every aspect is crucial. If one branch of the team fails, then it could end up costing us in the worst way. That is why having a well-rounded coaching staff that can make this team disciplined is huge.

There are a couple of key numbers I am putting into one for this slide. I have the key numbers as 8.0-to-5.67. These are the penalties per game for each team.

Illinois is getting called for a shockingly high number of penalties this season. We are racking up eight penalties per game right now, which ranks No. 102 in the nation. That is not nearly where I want that number to be for the year.

On the other hand, Chattanooga is a little more disciplined. They are only averaging 5.67 penalties per game right now, which ranks No. 38 in the FCS.

At the end of the day, the more penalties Illinois brings upon themselves, the more chances Chattanooga has to move the ball down the field. We can’t give this team opportunities or it could be a close game at the end. Illinois needs to be a little more disciplined on Thursday if we want to put this game away.

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