Josh Ferguson is terrible between the tackles. If he's not in open space, he's not very effective.- Despite Ferguson between the tackles, between Vaughn and Enyinihi, Illinois had a quality enough run game to win in the Big Ten.
- 97-3 - the combined score of the first two games of the season. Illinois played two similar games to start the year last year, and couldn't pull away. This is a good thing despite the talent level they've faced so far.
In a minimalistic way, I'm worried about Wes Lunt. Never thought I'd say that but some of his throws these last few weeks have not been good.- Illinois has depth. And quality depth at that. (Told ya)
- Gang tackling is the new norm for the Illini defense and it's so much fun to watch.
- If Illinois can continue to force turnovers, this will be a fun season
- The Illinois defense is stepping up and playing at a high level
- The special teams are much improved and that is going to mean so much, I don't think it's quantifiable.
- Lastly - I don't care about who Illinois is playing. What I've seen so far is exactly what I've wanted to see. BLOWOUTS! Good teams blow out the cupcakes on their schedules. Alabama, Oregon, Ohio State and Florida State don't have a juggernaut schedule. So when they win big, it's no big deal. No one minimizes it. Don't do the opposite for Illinois. Like what you see. Understand this is part of college football. Understand in years past, Illinois would have needed a big 4th quarter defensive play or offensive drive. Instead we saw backups. You know, those guys that see playing time when a game is outta hand? Those guys the first teams beat up on in practice? That's a good thing you saw them. And they looked good too.
Guys, Illinois has a chance in this division of the Big Ten. Penn State, Nebraska and Wisconsin all look pedestrian.
Let's wait until after the North Carolina game to say Illinois is there favorite, but for now, it's not unreasonable to day, Illinois is a player in the Big Ten West.
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