Well, it wasn't always pretty, but it is another win. A couple things that jumped out at me:
1. Jacob Charest played well. He had some good luck (dropped INT's by Minn.) and some bad luck (dropped passes by Cumberland). He stood in the pocket pretty well, completing big passes with defenders in his face. And got his first TD pass of his career to Benn (who got his first receiving TD of the year).
2. 3rd and 24! 3rd and 24! After a couple good plays to force a long third down situation with Minn. still trailing by a couple scores, we let the tight end get open over the top of the linebackers? That is completely unacceptable and could have cost the Illini the game, if not for the clutch drive by Charest and the offense their next series.
3. Big play by McGee on that 3rd down reception. Set us up for what ended up being the game-winning score.
4. The blocked punt that went for a Minn. TD late in the game is completely unacceptable. Everyone knows they are going to come after the kick (except maybe our coaching staff). Let's them back in the game.
5. It looked like the defense started playing prevent midway through the 3rd quarter. Keep up the pressure. We were doing well limiting the long pass plays. No need to drop back in coverage.
6. Pre-snap penalties kept popping up again. One probably cost us a FG, turing a 40 yarder into a 45 YD attempt Eller missed wide right. Although I was very glad to see NO holding penalties. That's awesome.
So, a lot of things to work on, but a win is a win. Great play by Hawthorne and Nurse on defense. And the offense produced when it had to. Great start to my weekend. Should be a tough one next week against Northwestern who just upset Iowa in Kinnick Stadium.
GO ILLINI