Saturday, Sept. 2 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Memorial Stadium - Champaign, ILL
BTN
Toledo plays its only home game in September Saturday when it visits Big Ten foe Illinois. It's the first-ever gridiron meeting between the two schools. However, current Illini head coach Bret Bielema has one previous encounter with UT. He was head coach at No. 18 Arkansas when Toledo upset the Razorbacks 16-12 in 2015. The Rockets are 6-15 overall against Big Ten Schools.
Illinois started 2022 by winning seven of its first eight games. It then lost three of the last four regular season games and dropped a 19-10 decision to No. 22 Mississippi State in the Reliaquest Bowl.
Toledo posted an 8-4 regular season mark (5-3 MAC). That was good enough to reach the MAC Championship game, where it defeated Ohio 17-7. The Rockets then added one more victory in bowl action, edging Liberty 21-19.
Here's more on Saturday's matchup . . .
>> UI has a history of struggling to post winning records in back-to-back seasons. Its been done, but not often. The most recent time was 2010-2011.
>> The 2022 Illini were ninth among Big Ten teams in scoring (24.2 ppg). Illinois rushed for 166.2 ypg (6th Big Ten) and passed for 211.8 ypg (9th Big Ten).
>>A major part of the team's success was its defense. The Illini were first among Big Ten teams in scoring defense (12.8 ppg), second in total defense (273.5 ypg), third in rushing defense (99.8 ypg) and second in pass defense (173.8 ypg). They were No. 1 in pass defense efficiency.
>> RB Chase Brown (5-9, 215) is the Illini workhorse last year, carrying 328 times for 1,643 yards (5.0 ypc) with 10 TDs. He's now with the Cincinnati Bengals, so UI turns to Reggie Love (71 carries, 330 yards, 2 TDs). It can also go power with 235-pound Josh McCray and 240-pound Jordan Anderson.
>> The offensive line should be particularly strong on the left side, where Julian Pearl and Isaiah Adams are back. Though not quite as seasoned, the remaining spots are talented enough and should improve during 2023.
>> Illinois' passing attack can be "reserved" at times, and there really aren't any preseason signs that UI will suddenly go all in on passing.
>> Tommy DeVito left after completing 257-of-369 pass attempts (69.6% 2,650 yards, 15 TDs with 4 interceptions). Sophomore Luke Altmeyer (formerly Ole Miss) moves into the starting role. He was ranked the No. 10 QB transfer in the nation. Former Ball State quarterback John Paddock is among the backups.
>> WR Brian Hightower (Cal) is gone, but Isaiah Williams is among four of the top five wideouts from 2022
>> It doesn't get a whole lot better than the Illini defense -- at least it didn't in 2022. The unit ranked No. 3 nationally in total defense. It was No. 1 in scoring defense (12.8 ppg), No. 1 in takeaways and No. 1 in interceptions.
>> New coordinator Aaron Henry must find/train new replacements for several secondary spots. Three of the departed combined for 17 interceptions. Junior Tahveon Nicholson is the key returning piece.
>> There is plenty of experience -- and talent -- up front. Jer'Zhan Newton registered 13 TFL among his 60 stops. Keith Randolph also had 13 TFL (53 hits). Ohio transfer Denzel Daxon and TeRah Edwards can hold down the middle.
>> Among linebackers, leading tackler Issac Darkangelo has departed. However, senior Tarique Barnes (46 hits, 8.5 TFL) leads and experienced linebacker level.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Kick Caleb hit 14-of-19 FG tries last year with a long of 52.
TOLEDO ROCKETS
Complete preseason preview HERE
FINAL THOUGHTS
This could be a classic good offense vs good defense battle. However, if you're going to test the Illini secondary, an early season matchup might be best. Running against UI might prove a little tougher.
Perhaps because it is an opener with some playmakers on both defenses, turnovers could be a key factor.