Illinois’ Week 3 bounce showed up where it mattered most: in ESPN’s numbers.
After the Illini stumbled against Duke in Week 2, the projections around them looked grim. Football Power Index had Illinois headed toward a 5-7 finish, and Bill Connelly’s SP+ had them sitting at No. 47 nationally. One week later, that picture looks a lot different.
Against Southern Illinois, Illinois finally put together a complete showing. The defense limited the Salukis to a 52.4 completion percentage and just 1.1 rushing yards per carry. Matthew Bailey delivered the headline play on that side, taking an interception 88 yards for a touchdown, and the Illini also forced SIU into just 1-for-4 on fourth down.
The offense did its part too. Katin Houser threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception, while Illinois ran for 198 yards and three scores at 7.1 yards per carry. Aidan Laughery supplied the burst, ripping off a 77-yard touchdown run.
The result was a season-high 503 total yards for Illinois, while the defense held Southern Illinois to a season-low 257. There were still a couple of blemishes: Illinois finished even in turnovers, one apiece, and committed five penalties, though that was an improvement from the previous week.
Even with the FCS opponent factored in, SP+ clearly liked what it saw. Among the top 80 FBS teams, only North Dakota State climbed more than Illinois did after Week 3. The Illini jumped 14 spots, the biggest rise for an FBS team in that group.
The offensive numbers continue to lead the way. Illinois’ offense moved up to No. 23 in SP+, while special teams is now the team’s highest-rated unit at No.
- The defense is also inching forward, checking in at No.
Now comes the hard part.
Ohio State, Illinois’ Week 4 opponent, also moved up after the weekend and sits at No. 1 in SP+. The Buckeyes have the No. 5 offense and the No. 1 defense, a combination Illinois can’t match. Special teams is the one area where the Illini hold a clear edge, since Ohio State ranks No. 74 there.
SP+’s Week 4 prediction reflects that gap. It has Ohio State beating Illinois 37-16 in Columbus, even while giving the Illini 16 points of their own.
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Betts is working to add outside shooting to a traditional post-up package, which only increases the appeal for a staff that has shown it can help big men expand their skill sets. With the program also bringing in other highly rated recruits for upcoming classes, Illinois is positioning itself as a serious player in a crowded race for frontcourt talent, and Betts looks like one of the bigger names to keep on the radar. [Read more 🡒]