By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

September 24, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Normally this space is designated for specific play breakdowns to identify basic Xs and Os of what the Illinois coaches are likely going over with their players before they again hit the practice field on Tuesday morning. 

However, a lot of discussion points throughout the week leading up to the Illini’s 23-17 victory over Florida Atlantic was taken up by the idea of Illinois finding some identity in all three phases of the game for the first time in the 2023 . . .