Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Wisconsin

4 of 5

Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Backbreaking plays stalled out key Illini drives

I mentioned that the Illinois defense really let us down in the fourth quarter on Saturday. While that is true, it also doesn’t let the Illini offense off the hook.

Illinois’ offense had two opportunities to sustain drives and put points on the board to end the game. We controlled our own destiny, but Barry Lunney and the Illinois offense couldn’t put up points when the game was on the line.

One of the reasons for the lack of points was the way Illinois drives ended. After Wisconsin scored a touchdown, the Illini started to move the ball. We converted a first down but it was called back on a penalty. What followed was Illinois having it 3rd and 9, and Luke Altmyer ended up taking a sack. This forced a punt.

Illinois once again gave up a touchdown. We got the ball back and started driving with time winding down. The Illini managed to get the ball into Wisconsin territory. Instead of having a chance to get a Hail Mary touchdown, Altmyer took another sack.

These are just the final two examples of how the Illinois offense stalled out on some backbreaking plays. I saw someone mention that 21 points was good enough to win this game. While that might have been true at one time, all Illinois needed was one more drive. The Illini offense couldn’t put that together.

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