Horrible call gets key Illinois football defensive player ejected against Indiana

The Illinois football team entered the game against Indiana already a man down on the defensive side of the ball.

Illini defensive back Xavier Scott hurt what looked to be his ankle in the Western Michigan game, and he is likely out for an extended period of time. That is a big loss to the roster, considering Scott was an All-Big Ten first team and an honorable mention All-American last season.

Even without Scott playing, Illinois still had talent on the field that could help sustain the defense. Well, the refs didn’t want that on Saturday night.

Down 14-7, Illinois safety Miles Scott laid a big hit on an Indiana wide receiver. The play was flagged for a targeting call and later upheld by the refs.

When you see the replay, it is clear that Scott led with his shoulder. Was there some contact of Scott’s helmet on the Indiana player? Sure, but it is impossible not to have any contact.

Sure enough, that targeting call got Scott ejected from the game. That means both our starting cornerback and safety are now out of the game.

Illinois will need a miracle in the secondary to keep up with Indiana

Honestly, at this point, things are looking pretty bleak. Illinois’ secondary is getting hit hard, and that has increased with Scott getting ejected.

Illinois is going to need something special to happen to be able to compete with the Hoosiers now. That something special is Gabe Jacas and the front seven.

I think the Illini need to continue to bring the house. We have to get pressure on Fernando Mendoza. If he sits back in a clean pocket, this game is over. Force him to scramble, and we can maybe still have a chance.