Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Chattanooga

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Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) tackles Chattanooga Mocs quarterback Preston Hutchinson (9) as he passes the ball during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Illinois defense was suffocating

I can get excited about the Illinois offense all I want, but we all know that the defense is the bread and butter of this program.

There was only one time this season when the defense didn’t look great, and that was the final drive in the Indiana game where they scored a touchdown. That is literally the only time I have been disappointed with the Illini defense.

On Thursday night, defensive coordinator Ryan Walters had his crew firing on all cylinders once again. From the first snap, Illinois was playing with a ferocity and intensity that I haven’t seen all year. They were attacking the Chattanooga offensive line.

Illinois’ defense gave up zero points against the Mocs, but honestly, that wasn’t the most impressive number. The Illini only gave up 49 yards through the air. Just think about that. The Chattanooga quarterbacks were 6-of-19 for 49 yards and two interceptions.

The Mocs couldn’t get going on the ground, either. As a team, they finished with 33 carries for 93 yards. This was dominating performance all around.

For the season, Illinois has now given up just 29 points in four games. That is an insane stat. This defense is playing well, and I would argue it is the best defense I have seen in over a decade.

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