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Illinois Football: 4 Things I Noticed In the Win Against Rutgers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:20 p.m. ET

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Oct 15, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Turner (11) runs against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Illinois Football team needed a win this week and that is exactly what they earned in the game against Rutgers.

Illinois finished this game out strong and beat the Scarlet Knights 24-7.

Here are four things I noticed in this win.

1st Quarter (Coach to Crouch’s Abilities)

The Illinois football team needed a win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, but the way their offense started it looked like it would be another long day.

Illinois performed well on defense in the first quarter, though.  They shut down Rutgers to a punt on their first drive of the game.

The thing that most impressed me in the first quarter was the turnovers.  Illinois really put a stop to any Rutgers momentum with a turnover.

Illinois received the ball back after they punted on their first possession.  This turnover by the punt returner enabled the Illini to start at the Rutgers 11-yard line.

But, the struggles continued for the Illini at quarterback.  The running ability for Crouch is impressive but he still has some troubles passing.

On 3rd down, Crouch threw a floating pass that wasn’t near Malik Turner and ended up being picked off.

Two things need to happen with Crouch.

The first thing Crouch needs to do is be smarter with the football.  He can’t throw that pass in the end zone despite the Illini needing to score.

The second thing that needs to happen is the coaching staff needs to work with Crouch’s ability.  He hasn’t developed enough to throw those passes so he needs to stick to shorter more conservative passes.

Oct 15, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Robert Martin (7) fumbles the ball during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Quarter (Defense Dominant)

The Illinois defense continued to do well in the 2nd quarter and still held onto the shutout against Rutgers.

Rutgers started the 2nd quarter off not being able to convert on 4th down.  This was a great defense stand by the Illini and helped create some momentum for the offense.

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Illinois then converted that defensive stand into a touchdown.  This was aided by a 61-yard screen pass from Crouch to running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.

Vaughn took the pass down to the Rutgers 10-yard line.  From here, there were two more runs and then Crouch hit running back Kendrick Foster for a 5-yard touchdown.

Illinois continued their great defense after that touchdown.  This was huge because it kept the Illini momentum on defense.

After a three and out by the Illini, the defense took the field one more time before halftime.

Rutgers had a decent driving going and the clock with running down.  But, in true Lovie Smith defensive fashion, the Illini caused another turnover.

The half ended with a missed field goal by the Illini.

Illinois has been playing average to below average on offense.  They can’t get anything going and a lot of that has to do with the inability to pass the ball and penalties.

But, the big thing I noticed in the 2nd quarter was how good the Illinois defense is playing.  They are playing well and have already caused three turnovers.

If the defense keeps playing the way they are in the first two quarters, then I think Illinois will come out with a win.  The offense has to start helping out, though.

Oct 15, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) drops back to pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Quarter (Working With Crouch)

At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Illinois football team had a 17-0 lead.  They continued to stay strong on the defensive side of the ball and this is why Rutgers hadn’t scored yet.

The thing I noticed in this quarter is how the Illini continued to work out kinks on the team.

In the 3rd quarter, it is not like the Illini played well on the offensive side of the ball.   But, they continued to try different looks for Crouch.

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Crouch tried a few speed option plays that didn’t work out so well.  He ran it a few times as well, but Crouch needs to work on sliding rather than taking hits.

I also liked to see the coaching staff trying out different pass plays as well.

They tried to roll Crouch out to the right a few times but he couldn’t accurately hit his receiver.

I want to see the coaching staff continue working with Crouch on passing because he isn’t good.  He needs to be more of a threat in the passing game for the offense to work better in the future.

Illinois took a 17-0 lead into the 4th quarter because of their defense causing turnovers and holding Rutgers in check.

Rutgers even changed quarterbacks midway through the quarter as well.

Oct 15, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Robert Martin (7) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

4th Quarter (Cornerbacks Coming Through)

The 4th quarter started with a Rutgers touchdown from the Illinois 5-yard line.  This was a jump pass touchdown and it made the game 17-7.

Momentum clearly has turned in the Scarlet Knights favor.  The crowds started getting into things and Rutgers started believing again after that touchdown.

The following drive for Illinois was three and out.  They gave Rutgers the ball back right after they scored a touchdown.

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Illinois’ defense started to let up in the 4th quarter because of the new quarterback.  They didn’t game plan for this quarterback and he ran all over this defense and was passing well too.

But, this defense has started to take the shape Lovie’s defenses usually take.  They are the bend but don’t break style.

Through many of the teams Lovie has coached, his defenses have given up yards but they don’t allow the opposing teams to score very often.

Rutgers was driving and looking to make this game 17-14, but Darius Mosely picked off a pass and took it to the end zone to make the game 24-7.

This interception all but ended the game.  Illinois played great defense and hopefully this will carry over to the future games as well.

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