Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Wisconsin

3. We have a special football player in Tommy DeVito

The defense is great for the Illini. Chase Brown has done an amazing job running the football. But I think all of this could crumble if we had a bad quarterback.

In years past, I don’t think the defense or Brown could function with who we had behind center. With some of the bad quarterbacks in the past, they would throw interceptions or turn the ball over deep into our territory. This would leave the defense behind the eight ball and would eventually lead to points.

That same quarterback play would also make our throwing threat non-existent. This would enable defenses to load the box and stop our running game.

None of that happens anymore, though. The emergence of Tommy DeVito at quarterback has been exactly what the Illinois football team needed. He is someone who has stabilized the offense.

DeVito had another solid game through the air. He would finish the Wisconsin game with 167 yards on 18-of-24 passing. For those of you keeping track at home, that is a 75% completion rate. That is something no Illinois fan is familiar with.

A little additional sprinkle of zest to DeVito is the fact he is gritty and tough. I know that sounds cliché, and it is, but it is also true. DeVito isn’t afraid to get that extra yard. He isn’t afraid to stretch for the end zone. His grit enabled Illinois to use him at the goal line against the Badgers. DeVito would finish with -2 yards rushing but had three rushing touchdowns on the day.

There is something about DeVito and what he brings to the Illinois offense that can’t be put on paper. Someone who didn’t watch the game or hasn’t watched DeVito doesn’t know what I am talking about. But the zip he has on the ball, the fire he brings to the offense, and the confidence he has on the field is infectious. This kid has everything I want in a quarterback, and he is exactly what Illinois needs.