Illinois Football: 3 Takeaways from close home win against Toledo

Head coach Bret Bielema is happy to come away with a win in their home opener. However, he and his staff know that if they play sloppy and undisciplined like last night, they will go to Kansas and lose that football game. Unlike Toledo, Kansas has an offense that can score points.

Offensively, Barry Lunney, Jr. needs to let Luke Altmyer throw the football. He’s the offense’s best player and showed an ability to push the ball down the field, something the Illini hasn’t had in a while. Throwing on early downs will force opponents to lighten the box and open things for the running game.

What’s next for Toledo?

The Rockets have been one of the most consistent programs in the MAC and will contend for the conference title again. Head coach Jason Candle and his staff created a tremendous game plan and gave the Illini all they could handle. The game might have been different if Casey Washington didn’t catch that fourth-down pass.

Toledo hosts Texas Southern and San Jose State in the Glass Bowl before beginning conference play.