This Season
It has been a difficult transition for the new coaching staff with a 2-6 record and 0-4 record in the Big Ten. Illinois has victories over Western Michigan (24-7) and Charleston Southern (44-0). The Fighting Illini have losses to Arizona State (14-45), Louisiana Tech (24-52), Penn State (7-35), Wisconsin (14-31), Michigan (0-45), and Indiana (17-31). Illinois averages 132 rushing yards, 184 passing yards, and 18 points. The defense allows 152 rushing yards, 213 passing yards, and 30 points. The Illinois defense limits teams to a 30% third-down conversion rate, which is the best percentage in the Big Ten. The Illinois defense also leads the Big Ten with a 20% fourth-down conversion rate.
Offense
Junior Nathan Scheelhaase has 1,653 career rushing yards. Scheelhaase has missed time in four games due to injuries. This season he has thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions. Also playing at quarterback is Reilly O'Toole, who completed 83% of his passes against Charleston Southern. Running back Donovonn Young had 124 rushing yards against Indiana last week. This season he has 400 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 131 passing yards, and one touchdown reception. At wide receiver are Darius Millines and Ryan Lankford. Millines has dealt with injuries this season, but he had 80 yards in the Indiana game. Lankford is the main receiver for Illinois, and he had 100-yards against Penn State, with a total of 413 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Defense
The experienced players on the defensive line are defensive end Michael Buchanan and defensive tackle Akeem Spence. Jonathan Brown at linebacker leads the team with 55 tackles. At second on the team with tackles is Ashante Williams with 52 tackles. At safety both Earnest Thomas and Steve Hull dealt with injuries early this season, but both will start against Ohio State.
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