3 key ways the Illinois football team can beat Michigan State

2. Give Luke Altmyer some time in the pocket

Illinois is a throwing football team that likes to sprinkle in the run game. Luke Altmyer has done a good job moving the ball down the field, and there is a great opportunity for him to have a big game on Saturday.

One of the biggest glaring issues for the Illini this season has been protecting Altmyer. He has been great when he has time, but the Illinois offensive line is giving up 3.4 sacks per game, which ranks No. 119 out of 134 teams in the FBS.

You can’t just become a better offensive line overnight. We kind of know that this type of offensive line play is what Illinois is going to get in every game. But there is definitely some hope that the offensive line will protect Altmyer and give him more time against the Spartans on Saturday.

Michigan State isn’t a force up front. The Spartans are the polar opposite on the other side of the ball, as they average just 1.5 sacks per game, which ranks No. 101 in the country.

Altmyer is a substantially better quarterback when he isn’t under pressure too. He completes 68.1% of his passes when the offensive line blocks, but that only happens 62.6% of the time. Altmyer is under pressure 37.4% of each game.

Saturday is a chance for the Illinois offensive line to have a good game due to Michigan State not having a big-time pass rush. Protect Altmyer and the result should be great for the program.