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"Sometimes I have to step back and look through
that (lens) and remind myself that even though he presents
himself as a very experienced, mature player, he's experienced
in every facet of the sense except for actually playing,"
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said.
The Mississippi transfer's nine career appearances and four
touchdowns -- three through the air -- still beat the
alternative as the Fighting Illini face the reigning
Mid-American Conference champions.
Sixteen starters return for the Rockets, including seven
all-conference players. That total includes quarterback Dequan
Finn, a second-team all-MAC selection after passing for 23
touchdowns and adding 631 yards on the ground. Cornerback
Quinyon Mitchell, an all-MAC first-teamer a season ago, anchors
a defense that helped Toledo finish 9-5 with a win over Liberty
in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Illinois went 8-5 in 2022 but lost four of its last five games,
including a 19-10 defeat to Mississippi State in the ReliaQuest
Bowl. The defense, which finished No. 1 in opponents' scoring in
the nation, got a jolt when defensive lineman Jer'Zhan "Johnny"
Newton decided to return for his junior season.
Several key players must be replaced behind Newton, including
cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who was selected No. 5 overall in
this year's draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Illinois is also
without running back Chase Brown, who compiled 1,883 total yards
in 2022 before being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals.
A Walter Camp All-American second-team selection, Newton paced
Illinois with 5.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback
hurries and two fumble recoveries.
Toledo coach Jason Candle stressed the importance of making the
Illini "earn whatever they get" on Saturday.
"Whether it's Toledo playing whoever or it's any game you would
have on Saturday on TV, more games are lost than they are won,
you know," Candle said. "Teams self-inflict. They turn the ball
over. They have a ton of penalties. They make costly errors in
tough spots.
We've got to protect the ball. We've got to make smart plays.
We've got to communicate great on defense and not give up easy
touchdowns."
The Saturday contest will mark the first meeting between the
programs.
--Field Level Media
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