No. 24 Illinois Ready for Road Challenge Against Rutgers
The No. 24 Fighting Illini, fresh off a dominating 38-16 home victory against Michigan State, are gearing up for a crucial away game against Rutgers this Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, streaming on Peacock. With a home record of 6-1, Illinois will look to improve on their 1-2 road performance this season, which includes a notable overtime win against No. 22 Nebraska but also setbacks against top-ranked Oregon and No. 9 Penn State.
Illinois showcased a powerful offensive display last week, highlighted by standout performances from running back Josh McCray, who rushed for three touchdowns, and wide receiver Pat Bryant, who amassed 135 receiving yards. The Illini defense was equally impressive, limiting Michigan State to just two successful third-down conversions and notching five sacks.
Rutgers, standing at 6-4 and fresh off a 31-17 road win over Maryland, poses a significant challenge. The Scarlet Knights, with a two-game winning streak and a solid 4-2 home record this season, excel in time of possession, ranking second in the Big Ten by averaging over 31 minutes on the field per game. Their discipline is evident too, committing the fewest penalties in the conference and showcasing a robust rushing attack led by senior Kyle Monangai, who has over 1,000 rushing yards this season.
Illinois faces a critical test against a Rutgers defense that, despite its struggles—ranking near the bottom in both rushing and passing yards allowed—possesses a formidable front seven that can disrupt opposing offenses. As both teams seek postseason aspirations, the upcoming matchup promises high stakes and intense competition.
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