It wasn’t too long ago that a chance at an eight-win season would have been celebrated at Illinois.
Now, as the Fighting Illini try to do just that Saturday night when they host Northwestern in Champaign, Ill., the overall body of work will be regarded as disappointing. And with some cause.
Illinois (7-4, 4-4 Big Ten) has shown surprisingly little pushback in the four losses, which have come by a total of 105 points. That includes last week’s 27-10 defeat at Wisconsin, which outrushed the Illini 209-50 and logged five sacks of quarterback Luke Altmyer.
Illini coach Bret Bielema understands the angst over potential that was never realized with three losses in the last five games, but emphasizes where the program is now compared to where it was before he took over.
“There’s things I’ve got to get straightened out and corrected but enjoy the boat that you’re on. It’s a pretty good boat right now,” he said. “It’s not taking on water; it’s cutting through water. We’ll be in good shape.”
Altmyer has completed 68.1% of his 317 passes for 2,675 yards with 21 touchdowns and only five interceptions despite the offensive line’s difficulties with protecting him.
Meanwhile, Northwestern (6-5, 4-4) sealed bowl eligibility last week by edging Minnesota 38-35 as Jack Olsen converted a 33-yard field goal with 53 seconds remaining. Preston Stone threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-30 passing.
Stone was perfect in the second half, completing all 15 of his passes for 174 yards in a performance that earned him a co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor. It was the first time a Wildcat has won the award in more than two years.
“Really proud of our team and also acknowledging there is a ton of work to be done,” said Northwestern coach David Braun. “… Tremendous amount of respect for (Bielema) in the way that he runs the program. … They’re going to challenge us in all three phases.”
This will be the 119th meeting between the in-state rivals with Illinois holding a 58-55-5 edge.
