To steal from the once popular Kim Possible: “HERE’S THE SITCH”
The Fighting Illini football team sits at a 5-2 record with five games left. It starts this weekend in Seattle vs. the Washington Huskies.
The Huskies are 5-2 as well, and even though Illinois is back in the rankings at No. 23, they are a 4.5-point underdog on the road. That is not a slight at the Illini. The Huskies have an incredible home record. Since 2016, the Huskies are 57-13 at home. while in that same time span, Illinois is 17-30 on the road. Also, Washington’s home field at Husky Stadium is rated as one of the loudest venues in college football.
On offense, the Huskies are ranked 35th in passing offense, averaging 269.9 yards per game. The Illini are 95th in passing defense, allowing 240 yards per game. Both teams are coming off a loss, but the Illini had a bye week last week, while the Huskies have played five straight weeks. Since both teams have two losses, they are essentially out of the Big Ten title game picture. The Illini are still in the discussion for a CFP berth, but a third loss would put a nail in that coffin as well.
ILINI Prepped and Ready
The bye week helped get the Illini RB room up to speed (pardon the pun). Kaden Feagin suffered a sprained AC joint, and Ca’Lil Valentine sustained an undisclosed leg injury. Both are considered 100% and ready for gameday. Xavier Scott is still recovering and unavailable.
In coach Bielema’s weekly press conference, he indicated that the Illini are changing some of the routine and heading west a day early and be practicing at the Seattle Seahawks facility. The move is also to ensure some pregame activities that they did not get the ability to do at Oregon last season. He also indicated that they have been doing what they can to prepare for the noise factor they will be facing in Seattle.
The Illini are going up against a familiar QB style.
This game will have a familiar feel to it in that the Illini will face yet another dual-threat QB in Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., 1,837 passing yards with 10 TDs, 363 rushing yards with four TDs. His top target is Denzel Boston with 34 catches for 515 yards and six TDs. RB Jonah Coleman 112 carries for 568 yards and 12 TDs. However, Washington’s O-Line is banged up with both the starting left tackle Carver Willis and left guard John Mills out. Washington has allowed 24 sacks so far this season. The Washington receiver room is not as impressive as Ohio State’s. But they do have other options than Boston with Dezman Roebuck’s 21 receptions, 358 yards, with two TDs. Also, Coleman can catch out of the backfield (23 receptions for 284 yards).
Is this the game that the Defense finally puts it together?
The Illini defense, once believed to be a massive strength for Illinois, has been, at times, just average. Last season, after seven games, they had 13 turnovers, five fumble recoveries, eight interceptions, 32 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks. This year’s numbers don’t look bad except for pics 10 turnover eight fumble recoveries, two interceptions, 34 TFLs, and 15 sacks. But let’s compare the Big Ten numbers: 2024 turnovers, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, 22 TFLs, 14 Sacks; 2025 three fumble recoveries, one interception, 12 TFLs, five sacks. The secondary is suffering without Xavier Scott, but DC Aaron Henry and DB coach Corey Parker have struggled to find a solution. And they haven’t been helped by the lack of a consistent pass rush.
Can Washington contain Luke Altmyer & Co.?
Luke Altmyer is ranked sixth in the NCAA in completion percentage (72.4%) and eighth in passer rating (173.4). His top target, Hank Beatty, is 10th in receiving yards in the NCAA. Colin Dixon is making his mark. 22 catches for 357 yards, and 3 TDs. Then you have “Red Zone” specialist Justin Bowick: 4 of his 12 catches have been for TDs, with three of those four coming inside the red zone. All four TDs have been under 25 yards. The Illini should have a full complement of bodies in the backfield. So for this season, the three-headed attack of Feagin, Valentine, and Laughery (now there is a name of a law firm), 179 carries for 848 yards with 11 TDs. Washington does have a solid defense, allowing 20.3 PPG, 234.9 pass yards, and 97.7 yards rushing. But they don’t have much penetration with 28 TFLs and 13 sacks. They have created eight turnovers, including six interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
How to Win
As has been a recurring theme so far this season, they have to limit mistakes, and in a hostile environment like Husky Stadium. The Defense must step up, especially by reigniting the pass rush. The offense must keep doing what they do and put pressure on the Husky defense. With five games to go and the CFP in their sights, they need to put on blinders and take it one game at a time.
Illini 27 Washington 24. GO Illini!
