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For the moment, the standard in Illinois is low enough that, even with a loss of 39 points, it is acceptable to see positive signs.
The Illini lost 63-24 against the No. 10 Penn State – in unequivocal terms, it's an explosion. But Illinois (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) was up 24-21 in the third quarter and grew only four at the start of the fourth quarter.
It was against a program among the top 10. So, Illinois should find indications of progress. But the Illini must also inspect what has prevented them from closing the games in the past two weeks.
Here are three points to remember from Friday night's loss at Memorial Stadium:
1. The Illinois attack is finally exciting.
Reggie Corbin and Mike Epstein proved to be a dynamic combination in the racing game.
Epstein has taken the reins of the last two games after recovering from a foot injury – scoring 19 scads against South Florida and 13 against Penn State – and averaging 6.8 yards per run for the season. Corbin scored his fourth touchdown of the season Friday and has won 98 and 87 yards in the past two weeks.
Even with backup quarterback Mr. J. Rivers II, the Illini seemed much more stable and productive in attack.
Last season, Illinois scored only 24 points in any match, reaching that threshold only twice (against Ball State and Rutgers). In four games this season, the Illini have already scored at least as many games in three games.
New offensive coordinator Rod Smith showed his talent in the third quarter with some tricks in the red zone. The Illini took a three-point lead as receiver Trenard Davis – a former quarterback – made a setback and pitched a 17-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Smalling.
2. The defense needs work.
The good: Illinois recorded at least two points in every game, including a loophole and an interception against Penn State.
The bad: almost everything else.
The Illini allowed a total offensive of 1,217 yards against South Florida (626) and the Penn State (591) and a combined total of 53 points in the fourth quarter, while not scoring any of theirs.
They gave up 387 rushing yards at Penn State, while Miles Sanders ran for 200 and Ricky Slade and his quarterback Trace McSorley also passed 90 yards.
Major games such as Sanders' 48-yard touchdown in the third quarter and Slade's 61-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter were particularly difficult.
"The big games in defense, we have to do something about it," said coach Lovie Smith. "We have to make people pay for it, and we have not done it."
3. Illinois has games that define the upcoming season.
After a week off, Illinois will face Rutgers on the road on October 6th, followed by Purdue at Champaign on October 13th. To prove that it's really improved, Illinois has to win these matches.
Both opponents are insignificant Big Ten programs that beat the Illini last season. With an extra week to recover from a hamstring injury, quarterback AJ Bush Jr. is back. And after a trip to Wisconsin on Oct. 20, Illinois ends the month with another winning match in Maryland.
On the basis of their competitive performances on most games against South Florida and Penn State, Illini should win some victories.
"Everyone who has seen us in recent weeks will see what we will be this season," Smith said Friday night.
The next two games are a chance to prove it.
Twitter @sryantribune
Illinois sinks in the fourth quarter as Penn State makes a draw in 63-24
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