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

3. Devon Witherspoon

There is a legit chance that Illinois’ defense comes into the game on Thursday and gives up very few points to the Chattanooga Mocs. If this happens, that means we controlled the ball and the defense shut them down.

I mentioned Johnny Newton and the defensive line being a key player for the Illini against the Mocs. They need to stop a great running back in Ailym Ford. While the front lines are stopping the run, I think there is an opportunity for the Illinois defensive backs to have a field day.

Chattanooga’s passing offensive isn’t outstanding by any means. They are throwing for 250.7 yards per game, which ranks No. 28 in the FCS. The leader of this passing attack is Eastern Michigan transfer, Preston Hutchinson.

Hutchinson has thrown for 752 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions through three games. Those numbers are a little skewed, as he tore up Northern Arizona for 303 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception last week.

There will be opportunities for Illinois to force some turnovers through the air. That is why I think Devon Witherspoon is a key player for the Illini to get the victory.

Witherspoon has 15 tackles on the year, which is No. 2 on the team. But that isn’t the number I am looking at the most. I am eyeing his six pass deflections and one interception through three games.

As of right now, Witherspoon is one of the best defensive backs in the country. When a ball is thrown in his direction, there is a great chance it is getting batted away. Against Chattanooga, look for some of those batted balls to be interceptions. It wouldn’t shock me to see Witherspoon come away with multiple picks in this game.