Just happy to get the win, or concerned about the performance? Maybe a little of both. The perspective from the outside is that Illinois struggled to beat a MAC team.
Obviously, the biggest positive takeaway was the performance of QB Luke Altmyer. We knew he had arm talent, but had no idea if he was a playmaker and would make good decisions. He showed that he has a great feel for the game. The next step is how he deals with pressure. Future opponents will put him under more duress. His errant throws on Saturday, including the INT, were when under pressure. He also needs to slide or run out of bounds more, and I'm sure Barry Lunney will let him know that.
It was not an ideal debut for defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. I thought the sub pattern was way over the top. Constant hockey changes. A player can't get settled in and get into a rhythm like that, and you want your best players on the field more. On Toledo's go-ahead drive late, Newton and Randolph were on the sidelines until the Rockets go to the 1-yard line. Bryce Barnes got 32 snaps, Sed McConnell 29 snaps.
Going into the game, I thought the younger offensive linemen would have issues locating their blocking assignments because of the complexity of the 3-3 stack defense, and that proved to be the case. They were okay (not great) at the point of contact. The issues came when executing combo block. Illinois ran more zone and the gap in the running game. Kreutz did okay, but Gesky and Crisler has some issues.
Going back to spring ball and through fall camp I had concerns with the inability of the running backs to get yards on their own. If Illinois is still going to be a zone running team, something probably needs to change. The idea up front on those plays is to get movement and create cutback lanes. Love and especially McCray didn't show me the vision you need for that scheme to be effective. On gap plays, there's a specific hole to run through. On zone, the running back has to make a play. That includes bouncing to the outside when necessary. There were plays when the offensive line had the Toledo D-line under control, and the running back just needed to jump cut and get to the edge. Instead, they put their head down and plowed into the line. Will we see Feagin or Laughery?
Toledo did a great job of neutralizing the Illinois defensive line with their multiple sets, motion, and misdirection. You knew that would be the case going into the game. A dual-threat QB makes it tough. I'm not overly concerned about that. What is concerning is that Toledo opened up big holes on the straight gap running plays. They ran 30 gaps plays vs. just 7 zone. Future opponents will see that on film. Illinois' two most heralded defenders Johnny Newton and Gabe Jacas were not good against the run. The linebackers were worse. That has to get fixed ASAP.
I want to see Altmyer takes more shots downfield. The short passing game was the way to attack the Toledo defense, but there will be more opportunities to stretch the field in future games. Pat Bryant looks like a potential breakout guy on the outside. He doesn't get a ton of separation, but he doesn't necessarily have to with his length and hands.
Any questions?
Obviously, the biggest positive takeaway was the performance of QB Luke Altmyer. We knew he had arm talent, but had no idea if he was a playmaker and would make good decisions. He showed that he has a great feel for the game. The next step is how he deals with pressure. Future opponents will put him under more duress. His errant throws on Saturday, including the INT, were when under pressure. He also needs to slide or run out of bounds more, and I'm sure Barry Lunney will let him know that.
It was not an ideal debut for defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. I thought the sub pattern was way over the top. Constant hockey changes. A player can't get settled in and get into a rhythm like that, and you want your best players on the field more. On Toledo's go-ahead drive late, Newton and Randolph were on the sidelines until the Rockets go to the 1-yard line. Bryce Barnes got 32 snaps, Sed McConnell 29 snaps.
Going into the game, I thought the younger offensive linemen would have issues locating their blocking assignments because of the complexity of the 3-3 stack defense, and that proved to be the case. They were okay (not great) at the point of contact. The issues came when executing combo block. Illinois ran more zone and the gap in the running game. Kreutz did okay, but Gesky and Crisler has some issues.
Going back to spring ball and through fall camp I had concerns with the inability of the running backs to get yards on their own. If Illinois is still going to be a zone running team, something probably needs to change. The idea up front on those plays is to get movement and create cutback lanes. Love and especially McCray didn't show me the vision you need for that scheme to be effective. On gap plays, there's a specific hole to run through. On zone, the running back has to make a play. That includes bouncing to the outside when necessary. There were plays when the offensive line had the Toledo D-line under control, and the running back just needed to jump cut and get to the edge. Instead, they put their head down and plowed into the line. Will we see Feagin or Laughery?
Toledo did a great job of neutralizing the Illinois defensive line with their multiple sets, motion, and misdirection. You knew that would be the case going into the game. A dual-threat QB makes it tough. I'm not overly concerned about that. What is concerning is that Toledo opened up big holes on the straight gap running plays. They ran 30 gaps plays vs. just 7 zone. Future opponents will see that on film. Illinois' two most heralded defenders Johnny Newton and Gabe Jacas were not good against the run. The linebackers were worse. That has to get fixed ASAP.
I want to see Altmyer takes more shots downfield. The short passing game was the way to attack the Toledo defense, but there will be more opportunities to stretch the field in future games. Pat Bryant looks like a potential breakout guy on the outside. He doesn't get a ton of separation, but he doesn't necessarily have to with his length and hands.
Any questions?
