Illinois, at least on paper, will be No. 21 USC’s toughest opponent of the season so far and marks the start of a stretch of games that will steadily increase in difficulty.
After playing four unranked teams, the Trojans now turn to the No. 23 Illini before ramping up the competition with games against No. 19 Michigan and No. 22 Notre Dame.
“Where everybody’s ranked at the end of the season is really what matters,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley told reporters after practice Wednesday. “I know they’re a good football team. We know that. We know it’s going to be a good atmosphere, a real experienced team.
“We understand the quality of it, but I mean, I think it’s just kind of the next battle.”
In addition to a step up in competition, USC will also be handling a dramatic difference in start times. The Trojans kicked off against Michigan State at 8 p.m. PT last week and will now start their day at 11 a.m. ET/9 a.m. PT in Illinois.
“Going from the absolute latest kick in the country to the absolute earliest kick in the country has its challenges, but it is what it is,” Riley said. “We’ve tried to be mindful of getting our work done, but at the same time, we know that we need to take a fresh football team.”
When Illinois has the ball
Illinois’ passing offense had remained consistent throughout the first three games of the season but had a dramatic drop-off against Indiana last week. Illini senior quarterback Luke Altmyer, who was a starter as a sophomore, threw for a season-low 146 yards and one touchdown after logging 196 yards or better in his first three games.
Shortcomings on Illinois’ offensive line will have USC’s defensive front salivating. Altmyer has been sacked multiple times in every game, including a whopping seven times against Indiana.
The Trojans are in a four-way tie leading the nation in sacks with 16.
Illinois is averaging 124 rushing yards per game, but collected just two yards on the ground in the loss to Indiana. Due to the sacks, Altmyer had negative-27 rushing yards.
Four running backs returned from last season and three have gained at least 100 rushing yards this year. Kaden Feagin, at 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, leads the group with 240 yards on 55 carries.
“He runs hard. He’s good in pass protection,” USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said. “It’s just gang tackling. The thing that’s challenging about them is they have three different backs and all their backs have different skill sets. We have to recognize who’s in the game and what their play style is.”
When USC has the ball
The biggest unknown about USC’s offense is the availability of receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, whose health status is questionable due to an undisclosed injury after not playing in last weekend’s Michigan State game.
Fortunately, Makai Lemon has only been improving as the weeks go on. He has Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest receiving grade in the FBS and averages 10.4 yards after catch.
The option to deploy two tight ends has also paid dividends for the Trojans. Lake McRee has nine receptions for 189 yards and Walker Lyons has 68 yards on six catches.
Illinois will be without a key part of its secondary now that Xavier Scott is likely out for the rest of the season. Scott was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season and had two pass breakups, six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss prior to sustaining a lower leg injury in a Week 3 game against Western Michigan.
“Depth in that room is big and I’ve also challenged those guys,” Illinois head coach Bret Bielema told reporters Thursday. “We’re game five. Some freshmen that we’ve had playing and repping during practices, we need those guys to step up.”
No. 21 USC (4-0 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) at No. 23 Illinois (3-1, 0-1)
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/ESPN LA 710
Related Articles
No. 21 USC football at No. 23 Illinois: Who has the edge? How USC football built a thriving tight end room USC’s pass rush is among best in the nation, and it’s ready for more Ja’Kobi Lane’s injury status remains unclear for USC USC is preaching action on defense while avoiding ‘the most extreme penalty’Hence then, the article about no 21 usc up for next battle at no 23 illinois was published today ( ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( No. 21 USC up for ‘next battle’ at No. 23 Illinois )
Also on site :
- Gold Star Distribution Inc., Issues Recall of Certain FDA-Regulated Products in Three States Including Drugs, Devices, Cosmetics, Human Foods, and Pet Foods
- ’Beverly Hills, 90210’s Jason Priestley Shares Bold Callout After ‘Worst’ Travel Experience
- Central African Republic election: Who’s running and what’s at stake?