Illinois needed another comeback to win at home in a game in which it was favored.
The Illini will take a win heading into Big Ten season, but they know there’s room for improvement after Saturday’s 42-35 victory against Texas State.
Offense: B-
Running back Josh Ferguson saved the day with a career-best 233 all-purpose yards. His three touchdowns, including a 75-yarder to start the game, were difference-makers. Otherwise, the Illini sputtered much of the first half.
Defense: C-
V’Angelo Bentley’s pick-six saved the defense. The Illini applied pressure to Texas State quarterback Tyler Jones (four sacks), but the tackling was atrocious at times and the Bobcats racked up 475 yards on 95 plays.
Special teams: B-
Kicker Taylor Zalewski appears to have lost his job to David Reisner after missing an extra point. Bentley had some big kick returns and Reisner’s 19-yard field goal helped seal the victory.
Coaching: C-
The Illini went for the two-point conversion twice and failed. It was only the third quarter. Why take the risk? The bigger issue was the Illini looked ill prepared to face a lesser opponent … again.
Twitter @sryantribune
