
IlliniGuys 2025 Week 3 Film Review vs. Western Michigan: The Anatomy of a Goal Line Stand
Through the first three quarters of the 38-0 win over Western Michigan, the Illinois run defense allowed just 2.8 yards per rush.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
September 16, 2025
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a honestly very forgettable game, Illinois showed in the most important play its physical dominance and intelligence in gap control in its run defense.
With just three seconds remaining in the second half, Western Michigan had the football inside the Illini’s 1-yard-line in what obviously their best chance to score on Saturday night. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema talks about the “double dip” of scoring at the end of the first half and then getting the football first in the second half to score again. With Illinois ahead 10-0 in this moment, Western Michigan desperately needed this “double dip” opportunity and Lance Taylor’s squad ran a play that requires perfect nose tackle play and solid fundamental eye discipline in the second level of the defense.