Florida Atlantic (1-2) at Illinois (1-2), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Huge Ten Community)
Line: Illinois by 15 1/2, in response to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Sequence file: First assembly.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
After a disappointing 30-13 loss final week to Penn State, the Illini wish to get their season again on observe earlier than they dive headlong into Huge Ten play. Florida Atlantic misplaced 48-14 to Clemson final week and in addition misplaced beginning QB Casey Thompson, a former starter at Texas and Nebraska, for the season when he tore his ACL. Now it’s as much as Central Michigan switch Daniel Richardson to information the Owls’ offense.
KEY MATCHUP
Illinois offense vs. Florida Atlantic protection. Illinois QB Luke Altmyer threw 4 interceptions vs. Penn State and the Illini rushed for simply 62 yards. The Florida Atlantic protection has playmakers in DB Darius McClendon (No. 12 nationally in fumbles pressured) and DB Jarron Morris (No. 8 in passes defended).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Florida Atlantic: Receiver LaJohntay Wester has caught 30 passes. The opposite 14 Florida Atlantic receivers have a complete of 42 receptions. Wester is averaging 10 catches per sport, which ranks him second nationally. The junior had 12 catches for 108 yards vs. Clemson and have become Florida Atlantic’s all-time receptions chief with 174.
Illinois: Isaiah Williams is likely one of the most dependable receivers within the nation. He’s caught no less than one move in all 28 video games since he switched from quarterback previous to the 2021 season and he has no less than three catches in 17 straight video games. He’s second within the Huge Ten in receptions (16) and his 11 first-down catches is tied for second within the Huge Ten.
FACTS & FIGURES
Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton had seven quarterback pressures vs. Penn State, essentially the most by a Energy 5 defensive sort out in a sport this season. … Keith Randolph Jr., Newton’s accomplice of their two-man “Legislation Agency,” leads the nation in tackles by a defensive lineman (20). … That is Florida Atlantic’s first season within the American Athletic Convention. Illinois is 6-4 all-time towards groups at present within the convention. … Florida Atlantic is 1-2 towards groups from the state of Illinois. The Owls misplaced twice to Jap Illinois and QB Tony Romo. … Florida Atlantic prompted a stir when the group gathered at midfield on the paw brand at Clemson earlier than the sport. Coach Tom Herman stated that’s how his group ends its pre-game warmup, house or away.
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AP faculty soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
