Whitney Mercilus, Michael Buchanan
October 5, 2011 8:52 PM
While tackles Akeem Spence and Glenn Foster - and clever use of the linebackers - have clogged up the middle, it's been the dynamic pass rushing of end Whitney Mercilus and "bandit" Michael Buchanan that have been giving offenses fits.
Heading into Saturday's game at Indiana, Illinois leads the Big Ten and is sixth nationally in sacks per game (3.4). Mercilus has 5.5 sacks while Buchanan, who plays a hybrid position that combines the skills of a linebacker and a defensive end, has been credited with 4.5 sacks. They rank 1-2 in the Big Ten at dumping the quarterback.
Tupper
Heading into Saturday's game at Indiana, Illinois leads the Big Ten and is sixth nationally in sacks per game (3.4). Mercilus has 5.5 sacks while Buchanan, who plays a hybrid position that combines the skills of a linebacker and a defensive end, has been credited with 4.5 sacks. They rank 1-2 in the Big Ten at dumping the quarterback.
Tupper
Filed under: Illini Football
