Missed tackles large focus for Illini ahead of Ohio State

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Despite leading the nation in forced fumbles, defensive weaknesses are still an area of concern for Bret Bielema and the Illini staff.

The Illini had nine missed tackles against Purdue according to Pro Football Focus, still coming out on top with a 43-27 win. Immediately after the game Bret Bielema praised his team’s ability to have issues like missed tackles but still get wins, something he says may not have happened in seasons past.

However, there is less room for error than ever before when welcoming the No. 1 team in the country to town.

“We’ve just given up over the last three or four games plays that are explosive and go across the end zone,” said Bielema. “There are so many times, even like Saturday, I think two of our last three drives defensively they’re going to miss and we stopped them right in and you know, we just got the ball in front of us, got the ball down, they gained some yards, but you know, we’re getting a little bit healthier. I think Aaron’s understanding the personnel a little bit better and bottom line and players around and we got to play extremely well.”

Illinois is second in the nation in fumble recoveries, another stat that shows ways the defense is making up for allowing explosive plays. Ohio State is averaging just shy of 300 rushing yards per game and 26-of-48 on third down conversions.

No. 17 Illinois hosts Ohio State on Saturday, October 11 at 11 a.m. at Gies Memorial Stadium, broadcast on Fox.

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