Way late on this list, but here are the ten takeaways:
(no number) I'm going to stay out of the Paddock - Altmyer opinion because it's becoming toxic. It stinks that fans (collectively) can take a positive and make it such a sore spot. These are the moments where Bielema has to make the best decision for the program. I'm comfortable with either guy starting on Saturday. That said, whoever starts, remember they will be facing the best defense in CFB.
1. The two comments about Paddock - Altmyer that warrant mentioning: (1) turnover-worthy throws - seeing lots of comments about how Paddock's game right now is excellent (uh, it is), but that he isn't putting the ball at risk at the same level as Altmyer. Paddock's turnover-worthy throw percentage (5.3%) is much higher than Altmyer's (3.1%). Not great when you're about to face Cooper DeJean and the #1 defense. (2) Average depth of target - Paddock: 12.8. Altmyer: 7.9 yards. Five yards is a massive difference. Paddock is finding guys and putting them in a position to be successful (also helps when Indiana blows a couple coverages). Another big reason for that depth of target...
2. That had to be the best offensive line performance for the team since '22 NW game. Crisler seems fully back to solid/above-average Big Ten guard. Pearl had one of his best games of the season. Kreutz had his best run blocking game of the season. Whitenack had a solid performance in small sample size. Boyer and Arkin have established themselves as good blocking TEs. Same for Henderson. PFF's pass blocking grades are okay, but disappointing after watching the game. Paddock wasn't really pressured until the last series of regulation and the OT drive, so not sure what else they needed to do. Because the run game was also BACK....
3. Welcome back, Reggie Love. Can't describe how much easier it is to have a second, competent running back, and it being a running back who is a good pass blocker. PFF has been higher on Reggie this season than the stats showed. Saturday was his coming-out party for senior year. Hope he finishes strong.
4. The rotation has shortened, but this is the most trustworthy set of pass catchers for Illinois in my lifetime. Everyone has a very defined role. Those roles align with each person's strengths. Even if IW11 goes for the draft, I feel good about the future for Aston Hollins, Kenari Wilcher, Malik Elzy, Hank Beatty, etc.
5. Pat Bryant could get to 50 catches this season with a good finish. Isaiah could get to 90 with a good finish. No Illinois WR has reached 90 catches since AJ Jenkins. The last time Illinois had two, 50-catch offensive players? 2014 - Dudek & Ferguson. Last time they had two WRs? 2002 (Lloyd & Young). Last time they had a 80-50, let alone a 90-50? It's never happened.
6. Kudos to Lunney. I've been a fan of him since he was hired. There are always bumps with an OC, especially in the B1G West, but the play calling has been excellent down the stretch.
7. Two bad games in a row for Nicholson. Not sure if that is more noise or signal. Need to see how things go in these final two games.
8. Most snaps played in a game this season for Tobe. If it wasn't obvious before that he's now #2 CB, it is now. He played well again (comparative to the secondary tire fire). Coverage success was mostly Tobe, Bush, and Strain (>20 snaps). Everyone else graded poorly.
9. The '24 pass rush is going to need a serious lift. We've all been talking about needing to find pass rushers in the portal this offseason after Newton is gone, so this isn't a revelation. That said, I really hope Randolph sticks around. He's been playing hurt for a long time and is still above average.
10. Feels like we are one more Griffin miss away from Olano taking over on FGs/XPs.