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

3. 435.7

Illinois is currently 2-1 this season, and a big reason we have started on the right foot is the defense. We are playing some of the best defense I have seen in a long time.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has this crew looking great. The Illini have played against some okay offenses too. The best of the bunch has been Indiana thus far, and we held them to just 32 yards rushing and their quarterback to a 52% completion rate. The Hoosiers have the No. 52 ranked offense in the country as well.

On Thursday, the Illini will be going up against another solid offense in Chattanooga. The Mocs are one of the best teams in the FCS, and their offense is a big reason for that. That is why I think one of the key numbers is going to be the 435.7 yards per game the Chattanooga offense is putting up this season.

The Mocs are a well-balanced team. They are averaging 250.7 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 28 in the FCS. That is similar to their 185 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 22 in the FCS.

That one-two punch of ground and air attack is going to be dangerous against the Illini. Despite his 52% completion rate, Indiana’s quarterback was able to throw the ball for 330 yards against us. That was a big reason they won the game. Our defense gave up a backbreaking final drive.

I believe Illinois’ defense is extremely talented. There is no doubt we can shut teams down. On Thursday, we are going up against a talented Mocs team. Let’s make sure they know how good our defense is early and often. I want to see fewer than 10 points given up.