Illinois Football: 5 key players for the Illini to beat Purdue

5. Keith Randolph Jr.

Illinois has some impressive defensive linemen this season led by Keith Randolph Jr. and Jer’Zhan Newton. These two form a formidable force up front.

Newton has received the most attention, as he is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His presence on the football field has been huge for Illinois. Newton’s ability to draw so much attention hasn’t gone unnoticed either.

In the last game against Florida Atlantic, Newton was on the field for 63 snaps, and from what I have accounted, he was at least double-teamed on 38% of those snaps. When that happens, it takes away a blocker on the offensive line.

This is where Randolph needs to step up. When the opposing team has so many bodies preventing Newton from getting to the ball carrier or quarterback, then Randolph needs to come in with a big play.

Randolph has had a pretty good season. He is coming off seven tackles and a sack against the Owls. I look for the same or better against Purdue on Saturday. If Randolph can beat his one-on-one with the tackle, then I think the Illini can really cause some chaos in the Boilermakers’ backfield.

I also think Aaron Henry could bring an extra man or two on a blitz. This frees up both Randolph and Newton, and it tends to work out. The more pressure the better against a quarterback like Hudson Card who gets substantially worse with pressure.