Illinois opened the 2026 season at home with a 42-21 win over UAB. A lot of eyes were watching Katin Houser and what he brings as the Illini’s signal-caller. Just as many eyes were watching the defense. So, did they pass the test?
If I were giving out grades, here is what they would be:
Offense overall grade: 90.5 (A-)
In seven possessions, the offense scored five touchdowns. Three came in the first half, including the first two possessions. After two stalled drives (one punt and one turnover on downs), the Illini ended the half on a 54-yard
Hail Mary that Ty Robinson brought down among a gaggle of players.
Somehow, the Illini scored to start the second half and again early in the fourth quarter. The defense added a late touchdown in the fourth, but Bobby Hauck has some issues to work through before Illinois hits the road to Durham, N.C., to take on the Duke Blue Devils.
Quarterback: 98 (A)
While Houser didn’t fill up the stat sheet with gaudy numbers (13-of-17, 183 yards, three TDs, plus three carries for 29 yards and one TD), he was very efficient and in control of the offense. He showed off an accurate and strong passing arm and great decision-making.
Running game: 92 (A-)
Valentine and Laughery combined for 117 yards on 19 carries and one score. The short-yardage game still needs work, as Valentine was effective to the outside of the guard/tackle, but not so much up the middle. Laughery was a little better on the inside.
Receiving game: 87 (B)
The receiving corps was a little short-handed with Jayshon Platt, who was out for this game, and Alex Perry, who is out for the season. Collin Dixon appears to be filling the Hank Beatty role, catching all six balls thrown his way for 70 yards and two scores. Hudson Clement worked very well on intermediate routes (three catches for 26 yards). Brayden Trimble, Ty Robinson, Laughery and Valentine each had a catch. No balls were thrown to the TE.
Offensive line: 85 (B)
The O-line played well with just a few blips. Houser was never sacked but was pressured a few times. Run blocking, while OK for this game, will have to get better for the Illini running game to improve, especially in driving opponents off the line in short-yardage situations.
Defense: 80 (B-)
This was the biggest drawback for me in the game. The Illini not only allowed UAB 413 yards of offense and 23 points, but UAB also won the time-of-possession battle, 41:03 to 18:57 for the Illini. The Blazers had six drives of 10 plays or more and five drives of 5:31 or more.
Defensive line: 70 (C-)
The D-line did not seem to be a factor at all. UAB averaged 4.0 yards per rushing attempt, and QB Ryder Burton seemed to have time to throw. Other than Will Holmes (three QB hurries and 0.5 tackles for loss), there was not much penetration by the down linemen.
Linebackers: 88 (B+)
For the most part, the linebackers did the job they were supposed to do. However, there was sloppy tackling that allowed for big plays from scrimmage. It was that group that recorded the only sack, Ean Rhea, and the only interception, Ismael Kante. Grant Beerman had a solid game with three solo tackles, one tackle for loss, a pass breakup and a QB hurry.
Secondary: 92 (A-)
Matthew Bailey was the big player here with seven solo tackles, one assist and one QB hurry. Tywan Cox got burned on a play early in the game but played shutdown corner after that, including a pass breakup in the end zone. The Illini allowed only two pass plays to go 20 yards or more. Burton, the UAB QB, made good on short passes in the 5-7-yard and 10-15-yard ranges.
Special teams: 98 (A+)
This was about as perfect a game as you will see from a special teams unit. Ethan Moczulski was a perfect 6-for-6ix on extra points. Punter Lars Rau only had one punt of 42 yards. It was returned for 19 yards.
On the receiving end, Mac Resetich returned UAB’s first punt of the game 69 yards, putting Illinois in good field position on its first scoring drive. Valentine took the kickoff right before halftime 31 yards.
For the game overall: 89.5 (B+)
The offense came to play, with Katin Houser, Ca’Lil Valentine and Collin Dixon emerging as top performers. The offensive line was adequate; play calling was interesting.
The defense still has a lot of questions. Matthew Bailey stood out as expected. Newcomers Will Holmes, who was credited with three QB hurries, and Ean Rhea, who had the Illini’s only sack, made their presence known. Tywan Cox had a good game as well. Fifth-year senior Ismael Kante had a pick-six to go along with two solo tackles and four assists.
But the defense overall allowed UAB 413 yards of total offense (219 passing and 194 rushing) and 23 points.
For a first game, it was good to see the offense move the ball. The defense was adequate for a game against a weaker opponent. But next week vs. Duke, it will have to take a step up, and Sept. 26 at Ohio State, it will need to be in full sync.
Thanks for reading. Let me know if I was too harsh or too easy. Comment here or hit me on X @tsotbgcs or my Facebook page, Talking Sports with Uncle Don!
