The University of Illinois Fighting Illini came into their homecoming game against conference rival Indiana desperate for a good game, at least. Sporting their all-blue uniforms, early in the game it looked like that might be possible. But, as the game went on, it became more apparent that this Illini team might be one of the worst in years.
Illinois' last Big Ten win was October 8th of 2011, a 41-20 win at Indiana. Unfortunately, the Illini were not able to give Indiana the same fate as that game.
First Half
The Illini quickly discovered early in the first quarter the running game was the best way for them to be successful today. It only took them 8 games to figure it out, but they are at their best when they are running the option with quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase and sophmore running back Donovonn Young.
Scheelhaase and Young worked very well together, running a quick offense and moving down the field. They managed to rack up 124 yards on 26 carries together in the first half alone. 155 yards on 30 yards total as a team.
A roll out pass in the first quarter led to the Illini's hitting the scoreboard first, a two-yard pass from Scheelhaase to tight end Eddie Viliunas. Indiana struck back quickly with a three-yard touchdown run by Hoosier running back Stephen Houston, his 9th straight game with a TD.
The Illini began the second quarter quickly moving the ball down the field yet again, which led to a five-yard option run for Scheelhaase to put the Illini up 14-7. But Hoosier back Houston was not content with just one score. He followed it up with a 10-yard reception and 7-yard run, both for touchdowns, putting the Hoosiers up 21-14 at the half.
Mental miscues led to all three Indiana scores. The first and second scoring drives, a 15 yard personal foul penalty that kept the IU drive alive, leading to a score shortly after. The third, a fumbled punt in the second quarter by Illini returner Tommy Davis gave Indiana the ball back. Not only that, but a terrible offsides jump on a 4th-and-1 on about the 12 yard line led to IU and Houston's third score of the game.
The first half showed a few things for the Illini. First, it showed that they do not need to go for big plays to score on offense. They need to be consistent with the run game and throw short, efficient passes every so often. Scheelhaase had just 10 pass attempts in the first half, completing 6 of them for 52 yards and a touchdown. Obviously, the running game with Young and Scheelhaase is their best option.
Second, it exposed how terribly undisciplined the Illini are on defense. Two personal fouls and an offsides on a 4th-and-1 is just unacceptable, plain and simple. The Illini defense was praised for having talent all across the board prior to the season, but when they began giving up about 35 points every game, people couldn't figure out why. Well, now we know. Anyone who watched this game can tell you, they are undisciplined. That is the best way to describe it.
Second Half
The second half was not nearly exciting. A field goal each from both teams and a 17-yard pass from Nate Sudfeld to Shane Wynn were the only scores in the second half.
Indiana dominated the Illini's shaky offensive line. To say Scheelhaase got beat up would be an understatement. He couldn't move back there. Any time he dropped back, he had three defenders in his face. The O-line was absolutely dreadful. After seven sacks, Scheelhaase even appeared to be limping late in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately for Scheelhaase, lost yards on sacks count against your rushing yards. He ended up with 32 yards on 26 carries, but that is quite misleading. Scheelhaase ran the ball well all game, but was sacked enough times to drop his rushing yards to where they were.
However, Donovonn Young was still able to run the ball somewhat successfully. He ended up with a career high 124 yards on 21 carries. He ran with power and determination all day. The sophmore back was one of the very few bright spots for the Illini.
Total Recap
Essentially, the Illini couldn't get it done and lost 31-17 against a not very good Indiana team. The Illini brought their Big Ten losing streak to 10, as Indiana snapped their 11-game loss streak. The win being the Hoosiers first conference win under coach Kevin Wilson.
Mental miscues in the first half and terrible offensive line play in the second led to what seemed to be a lack of interest for the Illini players, as well as fans, who flocked out of the stadium early in the 4th quarter.
Illinois was able to hold Indiana to 1 for 12 on 3rd down conversions, but it was to no help, as they still gave up 31 points.
Let's not take away anything from Indiana's performance. They rushed the quarterback on defense and running back Stephen Houston had 87 total yards and 3 total touchdowns.
The Illini take on a very impressive undefeated Ohio State team in Columbus next week. The Illini always play well against the Buckeyes, so let's hope they can come out with an impressive performance.
For those of you already looking forward to basketball season, they play their first exhibition game against Lewis tonight at Assembly Hall.
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