3. Goal line play calling was superb for the Illini
There isn’t a ton of positive to take away from the Illinois loss to Ohio State. We were really never in the game despite some good moments.
I did like what I saw in a few areas. One of the best things the Illini did on Saturday was execute to perfection at the goal line.
Ohio State is one of the best defenses in the country. Coming into the game, the Buckeyes had given up a total of 25 points against teams like then-No. 1 Texas, at Washington, and Minnesota, among others.
When teams get into goal line situations, Ohio State’s defense gets even better. Only 42.86% of the time, the Buckeyes’ opponents score when in the red zone. This includes both touchdowns and field goals. That leads the nation by nearly 15% over No. 2 USC, which Illinois already beat this season.
But in the face of the best red zone defense in the country. Barry Lunney Jr. called some incredible plays. In the first goal line situation, Illinois ran a pitch option. Luke Altmyer pitched it to his running back. The running back then pitched it to another running back for a touchdown.
Another great red zone call was late in the game. Illinois had two different misdirection’s and it resulted in Altmyer hitting his tight end in the end zone.
Lunney had some great play calls when Illinois was trying to score. This enabled Illinois to nearly double Ohio State’s opponent point total for the season.