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

By Rees Woodcock

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 02: Reggie Love III #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini breaks a tackle from Shawn Preston Jr. #12 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 02: Reggie Love III #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini breaks a tackle from Shawn Preston Jr. #12 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi (1) is dropped for a loss Illinois linebacker Tarique Barnes (8) during the first quarter of their game Saturday, October 1, 2022 attacks Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.Uwgrid01 6 /

Tarique Barnes – Linebacker

Now that Isaac Darkangelo is out of the picture, Tarique Barnes now runs the show in the middle of the Illinois defense.

Barnes is coming into the season as the starting middle linebacker for the Illini. He ended 2022 with 36 tackles, 2.0 pass deflections, and 1.5 sacks. I think Barnes is in store for another big year for the Illinois football program.

Barnes’ rein starts on Saturday against Toledo. This isn’t going to be an easy matchup by any means. I do think the Rockets’ passing threat isn’t a top priority, though. Dequan Finn is a solid quarterback, but his most impressive work is with his legs.

Finn ran for 631 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He is willing to pull the ball down and take off. That is why I think Tarique Barnes is going to be one of the key players for the Illini. Barnes is going to have to spy on Finn the entire game so he doesn’t run loose.

On top of spying on Finn, Barnes will need to control the running back by committee that Toledo has on offense. Their top three running backs combined for 1,611 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022.

Barnes is the quarterback of the defense. His presence in the middle is going to be vital in the success of the Illini defense this season.

Next. 3 key numbers for the Illini to beat Toledo. dark

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