Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

August 30, 2024

One of the traits of a successful team is that team will win the games it is supposed to win. That sounds really easy, but it isn't. If you go back in time, the truly great teams beat lesser teams like clockwork. To make it to the post-season/bowl games and progress in the CFP/win bowls, a team has to win the games they should.

One Thursday night, the Illini were expected to solidly beat an Eastern Illinois football team with aspirations of playing in the post season and building on their success of last season. And they very well might do just that.

One can't judge the season on one game, but Illinois did what they were supposed to do and even did more. They shut out a solid team and made sure the offense had the opportunity to move the ball in multiple ways with a myriad of contributors to build confidence for next Saturday's clash with an impressive Kansas team.

Heat Check #1 - The Illini won the Battle at the Line of Scrimmage

The Illini defense gave up 60 yards on the first drive and then put a stranglehold on the EIU offense until the backups came in later in the second half. Allowing single digit first downs (9) is an impressive feat. Allowing only 1 first down by rushing and 49 total yards on the ground reinforced the message Bret Bielema sent out in the preseason that to be successful in college football you have to be able to stop the run and be able to run the ball. The Illini did both.

On offense, the Illini could've run for 400 yards but instead they executed a balanced attack that resulted in 242 yards passing and 244 yards rushing. Talk about balanced - that was a productive masterpiece for Barry Lunny, Jr.'s offense. Illinois going 5-5 in the Red Zone was also an accomplishment that should provide confidence going into next weekend.

Heat Check #2 - The Defense Needs to Improve - and They Did

The defense looked good - albeit against an FCS team - but the ability to stop the run was on display. That led to Pierce Holley being forced to pass 32 times and many of those were under pressure in the pocket or on the run moving away from pressure. Seeing Gabe Jacas play as a down lineman and performing well was a surprising, but welcome, sight. The Illini will need to generate a pass rush to support the secondary.

The secondary looked good and should have confidence which will be needed against the high-octane offense that Kansas brings to Champaign. Miles Scott led the way with big plays and Matthew Bailey performed at the high levels of expectations that he had last season before an injury took him off of the field.

If you read Steve Sturm's Football Recruiting Spotlight articles on Illini commitments, you will be familiar with his high ratings on players who never quit on plays and hustle to make a difference. With two key fumbles caused by this very behavior, it is clear the type of defense and aggression that Aaron Henry is shooting for this season. That attitude and fire will be needed each week in the new 18-team B1G conference.

Heat Check #3 - Luke Altmyer's Performance

Luke Altmyer looked and played the part of the golden armed quarterback on Thursday night.

He hit on 19 of 24 passes for 213 yards and 4 touchdowns. His pass to Malik Elzy was so perfectly thrown that even Tom Brady would have a hard time improving upon that toss. His touchdown pass to Pat Bryant was a great catch and it was thrown in a place that only Bryant could get it - eliminating a chance at a turnover. Altmyer looked cool in the pocket and his only "rough spot" was after he got hit from behind on a rollout to his right. My only concern for Altmyer is one that I share with many quarterbacks. I see no reason to get hit unless you're running for the first down on a fourth down. If you're in the open field, slide before someone hits you.

Quarterbacks in general, and Luke Altmyer specifically are too important to lose for a gain of two or three additional yards on any given play. Learn to slide effectively and use the skill often.

Heat Check #4 - Playmakers Need to Step Up

We saw Kaden Feagin run for 109 yards, his first 100-yard rushing game - and he did it on only 16 carries. One felt if the situation had required Feagin to get 200 yards, he could've accomplished that as well. In fact, he looked fast enough on a couple of plays that it made me think Bret Bielema under sold us on Feagin's speed. He may have looked faster than we thought he was.

We also saw Pat Bryant make tough catches and score touchdowns. He impressed NFL scouts. When you look at the Illini WR room, there's a ton of talent there. Bryant and Zakhari Franklin represent a strong duo and along with other contributors like Kenari Wilcher, Ashton Hollins, Collin Dixon and Hank Beatty, the Illini have a room full of potential receiving threats. Bryant and Franklin can strive be excellent leaders and mentors for this season as well. Doing so effectively will have the results of their good work evident for seasons to come.

On defense Dylan Rosiek and Miles Scott forced key fumbles to stop drives. Scott also had an interception along with Torrie Cox, Jr. It's hard to single out only 3 players when the defense holds a team scoreless, but playmakers were there to make plays. This sets higher expectations for the rest of the season. Their added confidence is good because the B1G is going to be much tougher.

Heat Check #5 - Next Up: An Old-Fashioned Shootout at the OK Corral Next Saturday

Jalon Daniels has been amazing over the last few years, when he's healthy and guiding the Kansas offense. On the other side is the unassuming and workmanlike Luke Altmyer. Who will win the shootout? Let's hope Memorial Stadium is packed full of Illini fans who want to see an Illini victory. When Memorial Stadium gets filled up, the stadium is transformed into one of the louder and crazier venues to play a game for the visiting team. Add in some swirling wind and maybe we see a ranked team go down in Champaign like we saw so often back in the 1983 season.