Sept. 28--Illinois interim coach Bill Cubit said there's no such thing as an ugly win. But even he wouldn't call Saturday's 27-25 victory against Middle Tennessee a thing of beauty. "We have to play better," he said.
Offense
C-. The lack of playmakers is starting to become evident, especially in the red zone. Quarterback Wes Lunt and the receivers didn't appear to be on the same page, save some big plays by Geronimo Allison. Running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn sparked the ground game.
Defense
B. Middle Tennessee was averaging more than 50 points per game, so consider it a success that the Illini held the Blue Raiders to 25 points. Safety Clayton Fejedelem (12 tackles, three pass breakups) is becoming a star as part of a defense that forced six three-and-outs.
Special teams
B-. A blocked punt for a touchdown was a highlight, but Taylor Zalewski's 51-yard game-winning field goal will be the takeaway memory. Yet the return game struggled. V'Angelo Bentley failed to field a punt that later cost Illinois a safety and he also missed a gaping hole on a return that could have led to stellar field position, maybe a score.
Coaching
B-. Cubit conceded he should have gone for a field goal instead of trying to convert on fourth down on the Middle Tennessee 4-yard line.
