Illinois Football: Defense, decisions shine in first half against Wisconsin

Coming off a big win over Maryland, the Illinois football team needed to come out of the gates looking strong.

On the back of some tremendous defense and some great play calling, the first half was a success against Wisconsin. The Illini struck first with a great touchdown in the first quarter, and we never looked back.

The only reason Illinois looked as good as they did in the first half was due to the great play by the defense. Wisconsin couldn’t get anything going on the ground. The biggest play from Badgers’ running back Braelon Allen was a 16-yard scamper that was aided by two missed tackles from the Illinois defense. That drive also had a bonehead late hit by Xavier Scott.

Wisconsin couldn’t handle the Illinois defensive line. Jer’Zhan Newton was constantly getting in the backfield, and he was also part of the reason Allen didn’t get going in the first half. Allen has rushed for 559 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry coming into the game. Through the first 30 minutes of the contest, he has 49 yards and is averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

The only issue the Illinois defense had in the first half was a few big plays with under two minutes to go. Wisconsin was able to complete a couple of big passes. This led to an easy little touchdown by Allen.

Hats off to the Illinois football offensive play calling in the first half against Wisconsin too

I would argue this was one of the best defensive performances for the Illini this season. But this defense was also aided by some great play-calling on the offensive side of the ball.

Illinois has, multiple times this season, tried to be a team that slings the ball all over the field. That was honed in during the first half, and we used our legs to really take control of the game.

Kaden Feagin has been a beast and has had some solid runs. I love the way we are using Luke Altmyer in the running game. He has 52 yards in the first half. Rolling Altmyer out and giving him options has been another great play call for the Illinois offense.

Illinois is switching up the short-yardage play calling too. On the first touchdown of the game, we did a play-action and completed a pass to a wide-open Tanner Arkin. On the second touchdown, much of the same happened, as Tip Reiman was the recipient of this touchdown pass.

This was, by far, the best half of football all season long. The defense played great. Wisconsin struggled to move the ball. And the offense was something I hadn’t seen all season, smart and efficient. Hopefully, this great play continues in the second half as well.