Illinois Shows Grit in Loss to Ohio State, and Iowa Should Take Notice
Illinois took a 42-19 beating at Ohio State on Saturday, but the final score doesn't tell the whole story. Despite missing key offensive linemen and facing the best player in college football, the Illini showed signs of life that should concern Iowa fans ahead of their late November showdown.
It was never going to be pretty. Illinois walked into Ohio Stadium with roughly half a healthy offensive line and a defense that had struggled through its first three games. The talent gap between the two programs was enormous. Yet head coach Bret Bielema's squad found reasons for optimism buried beneath the loss.
What Went Right for Illinois Despite the Loss
The offensive line, playing without Maika Matelau, Brandon Henderson, TJ McMillen, and Dez Schuster, still managed to grind out 199 rushing yards at 6.0 yards per carry. Quarterback Katin Houser stayed upright for most of the game, especially as the contest wore on.
The defense showed marked improvement in tackling, even if cornerback Juice Clark got beaten a few times in coverage. Defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck left his corners on islands against Ohio State's receivers, a risky strategy that backfired against Jeremiah Smith, arguably the best receiver in college football.
Smith is a force of nature. Quarterback Julian Sayin turned in a career performance. No defense can cover everything, and Illinois found that out the hard way.
Why This Matters for Iowa
Here is where things get interesting for Hawkeye fans. Illinois (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) faces a schedule that suddenly looks manageable. No. 20 Oregon comes to Champaign after the Illini's bye week, and No. 17 Iowa will visit Gies Stadium in late November.
Realistically, Illinois could finish 9-4. No other remaining opponent is ranked. Even Nebraska, arguably the most dangerous team left on the schedule, has to travel to Champaign.
If the Illini make strides on defense and avoid injuries, they could roll into a respectable bowl game and give Bielema his third postseason win in as many seasons. With more than a month to prepare for that matchup, the odds favor Bielema pulling it off.
What This Means for the Big Ten Race
Iowa fans should not sleep on this Illinois team. The Illini have proven they can compete physically, even against elite competition. Their remaining schedule sets up favorably, and Bielema has a track record of getting the most out of his teams in November.
The Hawkeyes will need to bring their best game when they visit Champaign. Illinois may have lost the battle in Columbus, but they are positioning themselves to win the war of the regular season.
For now, Illinois looks like a team trending in the right direction. The scoreboard said one thing Saturday, but the tape tells a different story. And that story should have Iowa's attention.