Illinois Football is on a downhill slide, from what was supposed to be a stellar season. You combine a veteran offensive line, a veteran quarterback with a full year under his belt, and a plethora of weapons how could not win some games? Injuries and COVID are the main answer. The Illini are going to be without first and second-string quarterbacks, Brandon Peters and, Isaiah Williams due to contact tracing. The Illini are also without Matt Robinson who will most likely not play due to the injury he sustained in the Week 2 matchup with Purdue.
With all of that said, what do the Illini have to do win against Minnesota? It's easy, score points, move the ball, and get the key stops. Minnesota has a very explosive running back in Mahamed Ibrahim, who is hard to bring down in the backfield or catch passes for big gains. On the season Ibrahim has 67 carries for 347 yards and 6 touchdowns, through two games. Head Coach for the Illini Lovie Smith says he is going to be a high priority in the matchup, but they can't just play for one guy. "We know that he is going to get the ball," said Smith.
The defense has to continue playing great run defense which they rank in the top half of the Big Ten, which offenses have not been a pass-happy team against the Illini this year(minus Wisconsin.) On the offensive side, if Coran Taylor gets the nod again Saturday I am hopeful that he will perform. Taylor showed something in that Purdue game I haven't seen in Brandon Peters, a sense of urgency. Taylor moved the ball, found open receivers, and made plays with his legs. I'm confident that he can play well again if the offensive line holds up.
The last preview that I have is that Luke Ford has to be more involved in the offense other than run blocking. He was a top Tight End in the state of Illinois before committing to Georgia and playing a full season under Kirby Smart. The Illini have a surplus of Tight Ends, with a lot of depth at that position with Daniel Barker, Luke Ford, and Daniel Bhebhe. Utilize the talent that you have and go win a football game. #goillini