After Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin, it was clear that Illinois lost the game in the trenches, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Badger defenders sacked Luke Altmyer five times and recorded
six tackles for loss. On defense, the numbers weren’t as bad, but it was evident the Illini had trouble keeping a weak offense in check. The Badgers converted 7 of 15 tries on third down and were 3-for-3 in the red zone.
Offensively, experience not bearing fruit
At the start of the season, the offensive line was considered one of the team’s strongest units, given that the entire line returned intact. While Illinois has enjoyed a better offensive season, some numbers are telling a disturbing tale. Luke Altmyer has been sacked 30 times in 11 games, totaling 217 yards or an average of 7.23 yards per sack. It is often Luke Altmyer’s ability to run that keeps it from being worse.
Despite trying to evade sacks, Altmyer has put up some very good numbers. 216 completions in 317 attempts for a 68% completion rate, good for 2,675 yards, 21 touchdowns with only five interceptions.
For the most part, running the ball hasn’t been a big issue with the three-headed attack presented by Illinois of Kaden Feagin, Ca’Lil Valentine, and Aidan Laughery. That trio has gained 1,278 yards from scrimmage with a net yardage of 1,229 yards. However, these numbers don’t pass the eye test. Altmyer is making on-the-run or off-balance throws.
Rushing-wise, it seems we can’t run outside the tackles and aren’t getting enough push off the line to open up holes on the interior. But to say this is something new is false. Last season, the Illini offensive line allowed 32 sacks in 13 games. So, at best, they are on par to come very close at an average of 2 sacks per game.
What about next year?
Next season, Illinois could have only one returning lineman in Branden Henderson. They have capable back-ups in T.J. McMillen and Tyler McMillan. They have four freshmen coming in, including 4-star Kai Pritchard from Toms River, New Jersey. They will need help from the portal.
The other question is O-Line coach Bart Miller. Miller is in his fifth season at Illinois, and his best year in terms of protection and line play was 2021, when he allowed only 61 TFLs and 27 sacks. With one more game plus a bowl game, Illinois could see 35 sacks, the second-highest number of sacks in a season in the Bielema era (they allowed 38 in 2023). One does have to wonder if a coaching change could be a possibility.
A Defense in regression
Back in 2022, Ryan Walters’ last season, Illinois had the No. 1 defense in the nation.
In Aaron Henry’s first season, they were 96th.
The following year, they were ranked 29th in the nation and 6th in the Big Ten.
This season, they are ranked 64th nationally and 12th in the B1G.
This is anything but consistency.
Is it all Henry’s fault? Not entirely. He is listed as C0-Defensive Coordinator with Terrance Jamison, the D-Line coach. Henry himself is the secondary coach. So, defensive penetration is down, and secondary play has been down all year. Jamison is working with a makeshift D-Line, and Henry is missing a big piece of the secondary since the injury to Xavier Scott.
While it is legit to note an entirely new D-Line, the secondary had a lot of depth, and it was experienced depth. Illinois’ defense under Henry has been more of a yo-yo than a consistent improvement.
How do we fill the holes in 2026?
The defense, like the offense, will be losing key personnel in Jacas, Rosiek, and Miles Scott. They do have key back-ups and experience in Angelo McCullom, Pat Farrell, Curt Neal, and Tomiwa Durojaiye
Is change in the wind?
The simple answer is yes: there has to be some change if there is to be a continued move upward. That change will have to come in the trenches.
Coach Bielema has always been a staunch believer in winning the game in the trenches, but that part of the game is being lost. I think what we will see is a hard look at coaching, schemes, and personnel. Expect to see a lot of linemen looked at in the transfer portal. I also wouldn’t rule out a coaching change or two.
If the last two years have shown us anything, it is that the Illini have lacked a proper foundation on both offense and defense. We are woefully behind those we need to catch, like Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and Indiana.
