Wisconsin Hands Illini 24-10 Loss

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Freshman quarterback Cam Thomas threw for 108 yards in Illinois' 24-10 loss to No. 5 Wisconsin on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Tough Illini Defense

The Orange and Blue defense was stingy on Saturday, holding Wisconsin to its lowest total yards in a game on the season (303), as well as its second-fewest rushing yards (168). Wisconsin also finished with 24 points, the Badger's second-lowest total on the season.

Junior linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips led the way for UI, totaling 14 tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup.

Bennett Williams recorded his second interception of the season in the second quarter.

With freshmen Ra'Von Bonner and Mike Epstein out, senior running back Kendrick Foster got the bulk of the carries for the Illini. The Peoria, Illinois, native rushed for 66 yards on 12 carries, to go along with his first touchdown of the season.

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith: "A loss is a loss. In the end, that's what it's all about. Where we are with our program, we still want to see weekly improvement, and we got that today. There are a lot of good things we did. Defensively, I thought, it's a high-powered offense coming in. I thought the guys for the most part played well, had discipline in our gaps, tackled pretty good for the most part. But when you take the ball away only one time, you can't be pleased with that."

Team Notes

    Illinois' 134 rushing yards are the second-most allowed by Wisconsin this season (143 vs. Maryland).
    Illinois held Wisconsin to 303 total yards, its fewest total yards this season. Wisconsin was averaging 462.7 yards per game entering today.
    Illinois held Wisconsin to 168 rushing yards, its second-fewest rushing yards this season (109 vs. Northwestern). Wisconsin was averaging 256.9 yards rushing per game entering today.
    Illinois held Wisconsin to 24 points, its second-fewest points this season (17 vs. Purdue).
    Wisconsin had three three-and-outs, its second-most three-and-outs in a game this season (4 vs. Northwestern).
    Wisconsin had three-and-outs on its first two drives after having two three-and-outs in its previous 31 drives over the last three games.
    Illinois started seven true freshmen (DT Jamal Woods, DB Bennett Williams, LB James Knight, WR Ricky Smalling, OL Alex Palczewski, OL Larry Boyd, OL Vederian Lowe).
    2017 Freshman Starters by Game: 3, 7, 10, 8, 8, 9, 8, 7  (program record before this season: 5)
    Illinois' seven true freshmen starters are tied for the sixth-most in a game in program history. The record of 10 was set at South Florida earlier this season.
    Illinois' most cumulative true freshmen starts in a season: 60 (2017), 34 (1977), 33 (2006)
    Illinois has started 15 true freshmen this season, the most in the nation and an Illinois program record (added LB Knight today).
    Illinois started three true freshmen on the offensive line for the fourth time in program history and for the fourth straight game (T Larry Boyd, G Alex Palczewski, T Vederian Lowe).
    Illinois started four freshmen on the offensive line (three true freshmen + r-Fr. Doug Kramer) for the fourth straight game.
    Illinois has played 22 true freshmen this season, the most in the nation (added DB Michael Marchese today).
    Illinois has used 27 first-time starters in 2017, the most in the nation (added LB Knight today).
    Illinois wore "Gray Ghost" alternate uniforms for the fourth straight Homecoming game.
    Illinois captains: DE James Crawford, K Chase McLaughlin, WR Malik Turner

Individual Notes

    Freshman QB Cam Thomas had 78 rushing yards on 10 carries after rushing for 79 yards last week in his debut at Minnesota.
    Sophomore QB Jeff George Jr. led Illinois with 108 passing yards on 7-of-20 passing, while splitting time with Cam Thomas.
    Junior WR Mike Dudek has caught at least two passes in all 20 games in his career. He had a team-high three receptions for 33 yards.
    Senior WR Malik Turner has caught a pass in 28 straight games, which is among the top-20 active streaks in the nation. He had two receptions for a team-high 58 yards.
    Freshman WR Ricky Smalling has at least one catch of 20+ yards in three straight games.
    Freshman DB Bennett Williams had his second interception of the season.
    Junior LB Del'Shawn Phillips had a team-high 14 tackles, including a career-high 2.0 TFLs.
    Sophomore DB Stanley Green tied a career high with seven solo tackles (7 vs. Iowa, 11/19/16).
    Freshman LB James Knight became the 14th Illinois true freshman to start a game at linebacker in program history. Knight had a tackle and a QB hurry before being ejected for targeting in the first half.