i really really really like your PSU under b/c PSU has shown time after time the inability to move their offense on a consistent basis. Against ND they barely moved their offense. Majority of points were by ND poor special teams field position.
What are you thoughts on teh illini defense as i have no exposure to them?
I think that Illinois has one of the most underrated defenses in the country right now. This is an experienced bunch made up of 9 returning starters from a unit that was not that bad last year. There is this perception that they are not a defensive team, even though they are. Last year they gave up 26.8 points per game, but if you look closer in the stats, turnovers had a ton to do with that. By yardage, they were on of the Big 10's best defenses. With experience and newfound confidence this season, they are an even stronger unit now.
Look at the Missouri game, it is very deceiving. They give up 40 points, including a 100 yard fumble return and a 66 yard fumble return. Any time a defense has to deal with 5 turnovers they will struggle. They held Mizzou to 2.1 ypc and 70 total rushing yards. Yes, Chase Daniel had a field day, but he is one of the nation's top Quarterbacks and he was playing in a dome, hardly a good spot for the D. Also, with the Illini falling into an early hole, they got away from their running game, which is a major boost for their defense usually.
Looking at the W Ill game is pretty useless, but this is a strong 1-AA team which they just completely flattened on defense, shutting them out, allowing 152 yards and just 4 first downs. Impressive, regardless of the opponent.
The Syracuse game is another deceiving score as the Orange scored 10 points late in garbage time after the Illini led 44-10. This was another example of Illinois just completely shutting down the run (who doesn't shut down Cuse on the ground I know...) and doing a good job against the pass. This was another game in a dome as well. Syracuses offense is not as inept as was thought after last weeks showing either.
Now taking a look at last week, they basically shut down Indianas offense on the road. They did a great job against the run again basically forcing Indiana to all but abandon running the football. The secondary had another solid game and Indiana was held to just 14 points. On offense they were able to run the ball over and over again, letting the defense rest and shortening the game. This is probably their preferred strategy for next week and down the road.
Overall, these guys look good. As long as they arent victimized by costly Williams's interceptions, they should be able to keep opponent's totals down throughout the year.
