Indiana Football Game Preview: Illinois – key storylines, injury report, how to watch

Indiana football returns to the road as they travel to Champaign, Illinois to face the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The Hoosiers are coming off an impressive 20-14 win over Wisconsin last weekend to keep their season alive when it comes to bowl eligibility.

This will be just the third meeting between the two programs since the formation of the East/West divisions, with IU winning the previous two, including a 2017 game at Illinois’ Memorial Stadium.

Both teams are looking  to take one more step towards a bowl berth. Kick off is scheduled for noon on BTN.

Below is the full game preview of everything you need to know about Saturday’s matchup.

Key Storylines

Hoosiers are in their playoff mindset

Win and advance. That is Indiana football’s mindset moving forward. Everyone knew the deal going into last week’s game and that was the Hoosiers must win moving forward in order to play in the post-season.

The Hoosiers got their biggest win of the season last week stunning Wisconsin. With four games remaining on their schedule, the Badgers posed the toughest test for Indiana football.

Now with three games remaining, the Hoosiers are in there ‘weakest’ part of their schedule. Out of Illinois, Michigan State, and Purdue…the Fighting Illini probably sit as Indiana’s toughest challenge left due to it being on the road and Illinois looking to get some revenge on Indiana after last year’s upset.

This game is very winnable, but its going to be a challenge for the Hoosiers. Have to win, period.

Trending: ‘We’ve got to come out swinging’: With backs against the wall, Indiana football maintains ‘playoff mentality’ with Illinois on deck

Is the offense finally clicking? 

For the most part of last week’s game, the offense finally looked like it started to click. Brendan Sorsby was sharp and Indiana was getting the ball to their playmakers.

“Didn’t have any penalties by our offense, no turnovers by our offense,” said Tom Allen earlier this week. “Scored the opening drive of the game, which is a great tone setter.”

A lot of the reasons that Indiana football is starting to click on offense is the play of redshirt freshman QB Brendan Sorsby. Even though he was a little banged up, he has proven that he should have been the guy at the start of the season.

“Brendan Sorsby on offense was our offensive player of the game,” Allen added. “Just really proud of his development. Just showed growth, poise, toughness, made some really big throws, and had some opportunities — we left some things out there offensively.”

“Didn’t play consistently in the second half to where we need to be for sure. But he did a really good job of distributing the football and continuing to grow and develop.”

The good thing that the Indiana offense can look at is the fact that they will play one of their ‘weaker’ defensive units all season.  The Illini rank 13th in the Big Ten in total defense, giving up 380.9 yards and 28 total touchdowns, and rank 12th in scoring defense (27.6 pts per game). So far this season, the Illini have given up at least 20 points in all but one game.

If the offense can continue to make the strides they have shown in recent week, the Hoosiers have a big chance here.

Aaron Casey is arguably the most important player for this Indiana football team

What a season the 6th-year senior linebacker Aaron Casey is having for Indiana football. His stellar season was rewarded with another great performance in the Hoosiers’ upset win over Wisconsin which led to him being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

“Aaron Casey was the defensive player of the game, as you would expect with his nine tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, caused fumble,” said Tom Allen. “Just played the way I believe and know he can, and he was very motivated to — he didn’t love the way he played — this past week was solid, but the week before that was not. He’s really taken some ownership of that and just taking it personal to make sure he’s playing his best football, and I thought he just did a tremendous job in every way.”

I think at this point in the season, you could make a case that Aaron Casey is the most important player on this entire Indiana football roster. I mean, the defense really goes as he goes.

Another big time performance from Casey can lead to another big time win for the Hoosiers this weekend. The defense needs to continue to feed off his energy.

“Just really excited for him, and we’re going to need him, need that leadership down the stretch here, and as we’ve talked about, we know what’s at stake, we know where we’re at, what we have to do each and every week,” Allen added. “It’s a 1-0 mindset, and he’s the leader of that group.”

Quick Hitters: Early breakdown and initial thoughts on Illinois

Matchup History

Indiana led 16-10 at halftime of the 2022 season opener versus Illinois, but the Illini scored the first 10 points of the second half to hold a 20-16 edge with just 2:16 to play in the game. The Hoosiers engineered a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to grab the win.

The fifth-most played opponent in program history, Indiana will play Illinois for the 74th time in program history in Champaign. The Fighting Illini lead the all-time ledger 45-26-2, but the Hoosiers have won four straight in the series.

Illinois has done most of its damage in the series in Champaign, with a 30-10-1 record on its home turf.

Watch: Tom Allen discusses final prep for Indiana ahead of matchup with Illinois

Injury Updates

Indiana

WR Cam Camper: Tom Allen announced that the Indiana football wide receiver will be out for the rest of the season due to a procedure done on his leg.

WR Omar Cooper Jr.: Cooper left last week’s game early however Allen expects him to be ready sooner than later.

OL Kahlil Benson: Benson left last week’s game early however Allen expects him to be ready sooner than later.

DB Noah Pierre: No status update on the senior DB. He has missed the last few games. He is questionable, but not expected to play.

Illinois 

QB Luke Altmyer: Altmyer left last week’s game with an undisclosed injury. He is ‘probable’ for Saturday bit if he is not able to play, sixth-year transfer John Paddock will be the guy behind center.

RB Reggie Love: Love has missed the last three games with a leg injury. He is questionable for Saturday, but is expected to play.

More: Key players, notes and opening spread

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana (3-6, 1-5 Big Ten) at Illinois (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten)

When?: Saturday, Nov. 11 | Noon ET

Where?: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, Ill.)

TV: BTN

Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

Spread: Illinois is a 6.5-point favorite via DraftKings SportsBook

SEE ALSO: ‘We’re not done yet’: Indiana football finally reaps benefits of hard work and sees ‘game day success’

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