Game Day Prediction, 3 Keys For Indiana Against Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Indiana and Illinois have failed to win consecutive games this season, but that'll change for one team this week.
The Hoosiers and Illini are schedule to meet Saturday at Noon ET in Champaign, and it's a crucial game for both sides. At 4-5, Illinois can reach bowl eligibility if it protects home field against Indiana and Northwestern. The path is more difficult, but still feasible for Indiana, which needs to run the table against Illinois, Michigan State (3-6) and Purdue (2-7).
Here are three keys to the game for Indiana, plus a score prediction below.
1. Contain #1
Illinois' go-to player is Isaiah Williams, a 5-foot-10 slot receiver who leads the Big Ten in receptions and ranks second in receiving yards behind Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. Last week, Williams scored what turned out to be a game-winning 46-yard touchdown on a play where he simply outran the Minnesota defense. Indiana coach Tom Allen called Williams "an elite playmaker," and he's seen him improve his ball skills and route running this season.
"You've got to know where he's at all the time," Allen said. "You've got to do a great job defending him and having good answers for him, because he's a guy that can beat you if you don't have a good plan against him."
2. Clean game from Sorsby
The stats from Indiana's redshirt freshman quarterback Brendan Sorsby don't stand out, but he's logged back-to-back performances that put Indiana in a position to win. Indiana offensive coordinator Rod Carey said Sorsby ran into trouble early in the season when he'd go outside of what they were asking him to do, but they've simplified things in recent weeks to Sorsby's benefit. He's getting the ball out quicker now, and he didn't turn the ball over in the win against Wisconsin. Carey said he's seen Sorsby's situational knowledge grow, which has helped him manage the game more efficiently. Add his physical running style, and Sorsby has made clear strides since taking over as the starter three weeks ago.
3. Pressure on Illinois QB
In a close game at Penn State, Indiana sacked Drew Allar three times and finished with four separate quarterback hits, one of which led to his fourth-quarter interception. Aaron Casey sacked Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke twice, including the moment that essentially sealed the win for Indiana. That kind of pressure continues to be important for the Hoosiers this week, especially because Illinois' quarterback situation is unclear. Coach Bret Bielema said Thursday that starter Luke Altmyer hasn't been cleared to play yet, so Illinois could end up starting Ball State transfer John Paddock, who led the MAC in interceptions last year.
Score prediction
Indiana 21, Illinois 20
For the first time since Week 4 against Akron, I'm predicting an Indiana win. Coach Tom Allen and the Hoosiers have turned things around the last two weeks, nearly upsetting No. 10 Penn State on the road, then defeating Wisconsin at home last week. Indiana's defensive front has made opponents uncomfortable in recent weeks, and quarterback Brendan Sorsby has steadily grown. Illinois' quarterback health remains a question, and its defense ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten in a variety of categories.
Related stories on Indiana football
- HOW TO WATCH: Indiana football continues the 2023 season Saturday against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Noon ET at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Here's how to watch, with game time and TV information, the latest on the point spread, series history, coaching information and more. CLICK HERE
- JORDAN SHAW'S RISE: After beginning the year on the scout team, true freshman defensive back Jordan Shaw has been thrust into a major role for Indiana, replacing sixth-year senior Noah Pierre at nickel cornerback. It’s been a learning process, but coaches and teammates see great potential. CLICK HERE
- LAST 3 GAMES DETERMINE FUTURE: Indiana closes the 2023 football season with games against Illinois, Michigan State and Purdue. At 3-6, the three-game span represents a chance to reach bowl eligibility, but the program could see major changes if things go poorly. CLICK HERE
- CASEY EARNS BIG TEN HONOR: Sixth-year senior linebacker and team captain Aaron Casey was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after leading the Hoosiers with nine tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble in a 20-14 win over Wisconsin. CLICK HERE
- OPENING LINE: Illinois and Indiana both need to finish the 2023 season strong to reach bowl eligibility, and oddsmakers give the Illini a slight edge at home. CLICK HERE
- CAMPER OUT: Indiana football coach Tom Allen announced Monday that wide receiver Cam Camper is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing a procedure related to a torn ACL he suffered in 2022. CLICK HERE
