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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Indiana

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Love III (23) runs with the ball, pursued by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Aaron Casey (44) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Love III (23) runs with the ball, pursued by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Aaron Casey (44) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Indiana Hoosiers kicker Chris Freeman (80) kicks a field goal during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Indiana Hoosiers kicker Chris Freeman (80) kicks a field goal during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Illinois secondary needs addressed in the transfer portal

While everything seemed like sunshine and rainbows against Indiana, there were some massive glaring issues. For me, one of those big issues was the Illinois secondary.

I knew the Illini were going to miss the defensive backs who departed the program this past season. Losing Devon Witherspoon, Sydney Brown, Kendall Smith, and Quan Martin is going to put a dent in the defensive backfield. But I didn’t think it would look like this.

Illinois’ secondary couldn’t stop Indiana on Saturday. The only time it did, I believe the Illini defensive back got away with a hold and there was an interception.

Indiana quarterback Brendan Sorsby ended the game with 289 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He completed 66.67% of his passes as well. I am honestly not sure why they didn’t just keep throwing to wide receiver Donaven McCulley for the entire game. No matter who Illinois put on him, we couldn’t stop McCulley.

After the game against the Hoosiers, Illinois averages giving up 233.6 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 68 in the country. The secondary needs to be addressed this offseason in the transfer portal so we don’t experience the same thing in 2024.

Illinois currently doesn’t have a single cornerback ranked inside the top 400 among the 879 cornerbacks graded in DI football, according to PFF.com. Tyler Strain is the highest ranked at No. 403. Veteran Taz Nicholson checks in a No. 547, so he has had his struggles this season, especially yesterday. On top of that, he was kicked out of the game for spitting on a player.

I do like some pieces Illinois has in the secondary, though. Zachary Tobe, a true freshman, is going to be a star. Bret Bielema and the Illini need to build around him moving forward. Let’s go into the transfer portal and get a nasty defense in 2024.

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