5 Illinois football stats poised for a huge improvement in 2024

3. 0.6 interceptions - #108 in the nation

2022 was a wild season for the Illinois football program. We won eight games, and the team had a legendary running back, a solid passing attack, and a defense that blew people away.

Leading the great defense were some legendary defensive backs. Illinois was able to shut offenses down, and we could take the ball away. The ability to intercept the other team has slowed down greatly, though.

Illinois only averaged 0.6 interceptions per game for the 2023 campaign. That was bad enough to rank No. 108 in the country. I do believe we could see a big jump with this number, though.

Biggest Factor #1: Addition of Terrence Brooks

One of the biggest offseason additions was Terrence Brooks. The second-year Texas cornerback entered the transfer portal, and Illinois swooped in to secure his commitment.

Last season, Illinois only had seven interceptions as a team. By himself, Brooks had three interceptions and six pass breakups. That talent is now going to be in the Illinois secondary. The addition of Brooks will help Illinois’ interceptions per game greatly.

Biggest Factor #2: Depth in the secondary

Even though we lost some players from the 2023 defensive backfield, the Illini have solid depth coming back and being added. That is why I think we could see a bump in interceptions as well.

Brooks is coming in and will start at cornerback. I have Tyler Strain as the other cornerback. Xavier Scott will do the nickel duties. Illinois then has Miles Scott and Matthew Bailey at safety. Torrie Cox Jr. was a big addition from Ohio, as he played 483 snaps last season.

With that being said, out of the seven interceptions in 2023, Illinois only lost one of those interceptions. We return six out of the seven interceptions and add a few huge pieces to the puzzle. Look for a bump in interceptions per game.