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

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Devon Witherspoon #31 of the Illinois Fighting Illini attempts to interception a pass in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: Devon Witherspoon #31 of the Illinois Fighting Illini attempts to interception a pass in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jer’Zhan Newton #94 of the Illinois Fighting Illini adjusts his helmet after a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

We are under two days away from the Illinois football team getting back on the field.

It is exciting that the Illini get to play a Thursday night game. The Orange and Blue should be poised for a solid win, as we are taking on the FCS Chattanooga Mocs.

But this Mocs program shouldn’t be overlooked. They have a good team and are ranked as the No. 10 team in the FCS. That means they are a dangerous opponent.

With that being said, Illinois is going to need a solid team effort on Thursday night. There are a few players I am eyeing who need to step up and have a great game, though.

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

1. Johnny Newton and Co.

The Illinois defense has been tremendous this season, and one of the reasons for that great play is due to the defensive line bringing it week in and week out.

Johnny Newton and the other defensive linemen have made the Illini one of the best run-stopping teams in the country. We are currently giving up 94.3 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 23 in the nation. That number should be tested on Thursday. That is why Newton and Co. are key players for Illinois to win the game.

Chattanooga is entering the game with one of the best running backs in college football. Ailyn Ford could be a starter at any program in the nation. In 2019 and 2021, he rushed for over 1,000 yards with the Mocs, and he is well on his way to eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark once again this season.

Ford has rushed for 331 yards and four touchdowns in the first three games of the 2022 campaign. His 331 yards rank No. 6 in the FCS. He is going to be tough to stop on Thursday night.

Newton and the rest of the defensive line will need to be on their game. This is a matchup of one of the best run-stopping teams in the FBS against one of the best running teams in the FCS. It should be exciting regardless.

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