A breakdown in pass protection was a major problem for Illinois quarterback Tim Brasic in Saturday’s 35-20 loss to 15th-ranked California.
Brasic was sacked three times but didn’t throw any interceptions. He completed 21 of 37 passes for 228 yards and also ran for 51 yards, but his net output was reduced to 29 yards on 18 carries because he lost 22 yards.
Next to Brasic, running back Pierre Thomas was the most productive Illini, gaining 57 yards on 12 carries, catching two passes for 59 yards and returning four kickoffs for 92 yards. Redshirt freshman linebacker Remond Willis led the Illini in tackles with six.
Extra points
Illinois was 4-for-4 in the red zone, continuing its perfect record for the season. In their 16 opportunities inside the 20-yard line, the Illini have come away with nine touchdowns and seven field goals. … California’s win was its ninth in a row at home and its 16th in the last 18.
