It’s Corn: #17 Illini Outlast Huskers In Lincoln

His 149 yards rushing put him over the 1,200-yard mark on the season, only 489 yards shy of Mikel Leshoure’s single season record. Just a reminder that we are only eight games into this remarkable season. Today’s performance also vaulted him past running back Rocky Harvey for fifth place in Illinois’ all-time rushing leaders. Brown could potentially move into third place next week — he would need only 107 yards to do so.

The lesser-praised, but equally important,Sydney Brown was not to be outdone by his brother. His performance was equally, if not, more important to the victory today. His two interceptions shut down the Nebraska offense in the most pivotal moments, the first of which led to the Fighting Illini taking the lead for good.

His impact was more than his two interceptions, he was seemingly everywhere the ball was, playing up on the line of scrimmage and creating havoc in the run game. Just a masterful performance all around for the senior safety. His two interceptions today along with fellow defensive back Jartavius Martin’s one put Illinois in the nation lead for most interceptions among FBS programs.

Tommy DeVito Continues His Impressive Campaign

The Illinois quarterback had about as efficient as a game one could have. 20-22, 179 yds, 2 tds was more than enough playing the perfect compliment to the best running back in the country. DeVito’s performance today embodied what he’s done all season. The defense and Chase Brown will garner all the attention and respect, but this ball club wouldn’t be where they are without his leadership and ability to take care of the football.

He’s not a Cade McNamara-type though, Tommy can make plays with his arm, with his legs, and can outright win you a football game. He doesn’t get rattled and isn’t afraid to sling it when the situation calls for it. Brett got his guy and he has been perfect in his system and for this team. The only problem I have with Tommy is Illinois will have him for just this season.

Devon Witherspoon Is Proving To Be The Best Corner In The Big Ten, Possibly In The Country

The Junior cornerback went from a zero-star recruit to one of the very best at his position in his fourth year. Only recording one interception on the year, but leads the country in forced incompletions with 13 according to Pro Football Focus.

His willingness to defend the run is what sets him apart from most corners, and has been an integral part in the Illini touting the best defense in the country. The no fear attitude he possesses has been contagious fro the rest of the backfield. His ability to be left alone in coverage and even preferring to shadow the best receivers in the game is what has created “Witherspoon Island“. Yesterday’s performance was the full embodiment of the player he has become — played tough in the run game, and shut down the top receiver in the country to the tune of one catch for seven yards. Any corner-needy team would be remiss to pass on him in the upcoming draft.

What’s Next For The Illini

Michigan State will come to town on Nov. 5th at 2:30PM. The game will be shown on Big Ten Network. Despite the Spartans having a down year no team can be taken lightly in the Big Ten. They should be plenty hungry after getting stomped by their big brother, Big Blue. Illinois should be feeling good after handling Nebraska on the road with relative ease despite playing their sloppiest game since their heartbreaking loss at Indiana.

MSU’s defense ranks 75th in the country allowing 27.4 ppg and own a lowly 94th ranked offense averaging 24.5 ppg. They’ve played a tough Big Ten schedule and lost a competitive game against Washington, so I believe they’re better than their 3-5 record may suggest. There is no easy game in the Big Ten, no matter how much a team may be underperforming.

Mel Tucker’s struggling team may be in even more trouble come Saturday as their may be several suspensions handed out after a disturbing video surfaced following Saturday’s game at Michigan. You can see several Michigan State players beating up one Michigan player. I’m not sure what transpired before, but there is no room for this kind of behavior in college football. It will be interesting to see how the Big Ten will handle it, or if they will leave it up to the school to determine appropriate disciplinary action. The Mel Tucker tenure has quickly unraveled in East Lansing.