Illinois Football: 5 crucial areas of improvement during the Illini bye week

This bye week is going to be crucial for the Illinois football team as we look to finish off the 2023 season on a strong note.

I thought the Illini played well in the loss to Wisconsin last Saturday. We had that game before the refs ejected Jer’Zhan Newton and everything went off the rails.

The bye week is a chance for Illinois to improve in the areas we are weakest. I look forward to seeing what is worked on this week, as we prepare for Minnesota on November 4. I do have a few things in mind that Illinois needs to work on.

Here are five crucial areas of improvement during the Illinois football bye week

1. Red zone attempts per game

Illinois is not exactly a juggernaut on offense. We have had a ton of struggles moving the ball this season, and it has shown in quite a few stats.

One of the statistical categories that has taken a hit because of the lack of ball movement is red zone attempts. Illinois can’t get into the opponent’s red zone, and it is one of the reasons we are only averaging 20.4 points per game this season.

But the Illini aren’t just bad at getting the ball in the red zone. We are one of the worst teams in the nation when it comes to red zone attempts. Illinois averages just 2.3 red zone attempts per game, which ranks No. 126 out of 133 teams in the FBS. That is a stark contrast from the 3.9 red zone attempts we were averaging last season.

How does Illinois obtain more red zone attempts, though? Moving the ball is the obvious answer, but I think converting on short-yardage situations is key for the Illini to see more red zone attempts.

Against Wisconsin, the Illini converted all three red zone attempts into touchdowns, which is impressive. But we only had three opportunities the entire game. There were two other times Illinois got the ball into Wisconsin territory, though.

Illinois had the ball fourth and one at the Wisconsin 33 yard line. Converting that short-yardage situation would have extended the drive, and Illinois likely ends up in the red zone with some type of points. Instead, we can’t get the first down and give the ball back to the Badgers.

In the fourth quarter, Illinois had the ball at the Wisconsin 47 yard line. It was third and three. Instead of getting those three yards, or at least making it fourth and short, Luke Altmyer takes a sack and we have to punt the ball. This backbreaking play prevented Illinois from potentially getting another red zone attempt and some type of points.

Those two plays could have easily cost Illinois a minimum of six points and a victory. Converting short-yardage situations is how we get more red zone attempts and therefore, more points.