Position grades: Illini offense shines, defense labors in 42-23 win over UAB
- Illinois quarterback Katin Houser completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns and added 29 rushing yards and a score in the 42-23 win over UAB.
- Ca'Lil Valentine rushed 11 times for 88 yards and a touchdown, while Collin Dixon established himself as Houser's lead target with six catches for 70 yards and two scores.
- Illinois' offensive line protected Houser without allowing a sack and opened early rushing lanes despite four new starters, but its run push became inconsistent over the final three quarters.
- Illinois allowed 189 rushing yards and four yards per carry, with missed tackles from the non-MIKE linebackers offset only partially by stronger fourth-quarter pressure.
- Tywan Cox and Jakwon Morris split the No. 2 cornerback reps opposite Juice Clarke, while Matthew Bailey led the secondary with eight tackles.
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