Bret Bielema’s Illinois Fighting Illini are 4-1, and their shocking 34-32 upset over USC has the entire FBS taking notice. After a crushing 63-10 loss to Indiana, few expected Illinois to rebound against a USC team favored by 6.5 points. Most analysts doubted the Fighting Illini’s offensive line could handle USC’s aggressive defensive front, tied for the nation’s most sacks (16). But Champaign saw a completely different Illinois.

Unlike the other games, the Fighting Illini led the charge from 7-0 in the first quarter to 31-17 at the start of the fourth quarter. Although Makai Lemon’s back-to-back TDs helped USC take a one-point lead (31-32). A 41-yard field goal at the final moment helped the Fighting Illini win by 34-32 and reinstated their playoff contention. Thanks to their offensive c

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