Nebraska coach praises Illinois football DC before massive Friday night game
Illinois football is entering its biggest game of the season, as No. 22 Nebraska awaits in Lincoln.
The 2024 campaign has started off on the right foot for the Illini as well. We won the Eastern Illinois matchup to start the year, and then a ranked Kansas program was next on the docket.
Most thought Illinois was likely to drop that game against the Jayhawks, including myself. But the Illini persevered and played some good football. This past week, the Illini beat Central Michigan to not only move to 3-0 but also get ranked in the top 25.
Now No. 24 in the country, Illinois will take on an incredibly talented Nebraska program on Friday night. This has been one of the best starts for the Orange and Blue in recent memory, and the Cornhuskers’ coach has taken notice.
In a press conference earlier this week, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talked about Illinois and specifically the defense.
Nebraska's Matt Rhule credits Illinois DC Aaron Henry. Says the Illini have forced turnovers due to 1- having some great players on defense and 2- disguising coverage well.
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) September 17, 2024
"It's not like playing them last year."
Says the challenge is for their young QB to recognize zone versus… pic.twitter.com/lHQuwNopX2
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is correct in giving praise to the Illinois football defense
When Rhule says these things in the video, it isn’t just blowing smoke. He is correct in his assessment of what is going on in Champaign.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry has done a great job with the defense, and he is developing our defensive backs at a high rate.
Illinois is currently only giving up 154.0 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 27 in the nation. So far, that is a massive improvement from the 228.1 yards per game allowed last season.
The Illini rush defense is lagging a little behind last season’s mark, though. We are allowing teams to run for 164.0 yards per game, which ranks No. 87 in the country. That is down from 150.2 yards per game allowed last season. One would expect this after losing our entire defensive line.
Friday night is going to be a challenge too. Nebraska is decent at passing the football, as they have thrown for 234.5 yards per game this season, ranking No. 54 in the nation. Let’s see if we can slow down former five-star freshman sensation Dylan Raiola.
Projected Illinois basketball lineup with the addition of Keaton Wagler. dark. Next. Projected Illinois basketball lineup with the addition of Keaton Wagler