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Illinois’ stout defense draws reactions for first half performance vs. Mississippi State
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Illinois football put on a defensive show in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Mississippi State. The Fighting Illini held the Bulldogs to three points at halftime and social media reacted accordingly.
Ryan Walters molded Illinois into one of the better defenses in the country, and the team showed out despite his absence. Walters will be the head coach of Purdue in 2023 after Jeff Brohm left for his alma mater Louisville.
It looks like the Illinois defense didn’t take any days off in preparing for the Mississippi State offense. Mississippi State QB Will Rogers was even forced into a pair of interceptions in the first half.
Aaron Henry will be the team’s next defensive coordinator now that Walters is gone. Henry previously coached the secondary while Walters was there and the defense is responding well to the staff change so far.
If you like great defense, the ReliaQuest Bowl is for you. Here are some of the reactions:
The future of the dominant Illinois defense seems to be in good hands, already seeing some new faces step up
— Illini Fan Nation (@TheIlliniFN) January 2, 2023
The Not Outback Bowl is just a replay of the Music City Bowl. Illinois defense is tough.
— Irrational Hawkeye (@IrrationalHawk2) January 2, 2023
Illinois defense with a depleted secondary are still balling out today. These freshman are stepping up and the vets Martin & Smith are showing a lot of leadership. #ILL
— Alex Pellmann (@Pellmann_Birds4) January 2, 2023
Illinois defense stuffs a 3rd-and-1 run draw play to earn a 3-and-out on the first drive.
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) January 2, 2023
Interception for #Illini.
Tipped pass by Newton ends up in the hands of Matthew Bailey (3rd this season for the freshman). Big momentum-changing play for the Illinois defense.
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) January 2, 2023
If we had Illinois Defense, we would have won Saturday lol them boys are legit
— Brian Barney (@bbarney22) January 2, 2023
Update: Illinois’ defense without Ryan Walters is still really damn good at taking the ball away.
— Paul Harvey 🔨 (@HammerHarvey) January 2, 2023
Illinois pass defense is legit
— T 🏈🏀⚾️ (@AllMyTeamsSuck3) January 2, 2023
If you love defense MSU vs Illinois is the game for you.
— HaliT 🧡💙🐅🦚🦅 (@hali_t2010) January 2, 2023
Back to back drives ending in turnovers! Who’s coordinating this Illinois Defense??? I see ya @AaronHenry7 !! @ImmokaleeFB #GoIndians #Redwood @IlliniFootball #Illini
— Coach Siner (@ChrisSiner) January 2, 2023
Illinois’ man coverage on defense is creating a lot of trouble for the Bulldogs.
— Colin James (@colin_james1) January 2, 2023
Illinois defense is lit#reliaquestbowl
— Zach Wilson (@ZachWil319) January 2, 2023
Illinois defense is spectacular
— Tanner Wunder (@TannerWunder) January 2, 2023
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.