Illinois leaning on depth and development as offensive line deals with injuries

CHAMPAIGN, Ill – Illinois has had a tough week, and it seems to be getting tougher. Saturday’s 31-27 loss to Duke was certainly deflating, and was the program’s first one-score loss since 2024 against Minnesota. 

The offense in the second half seemed to collapse, and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.’s playcalling has been put under a microscope. Now heading into its matchup against SIU, the offense will be quite thin on the line for Illinois. 

Offensive lineman TJ McMillen suffered a fractured foot in the fourth quarter against Duke and will miss the remainder of the season. McMillen started the game in place of Brandon Henderson and looked really solid before his exit, not giving up a sack against the blitz-heavy Duke defense. 

“Unfortunately, we did lose him for the year. Couldn’t be prouder of that kid,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “He was getting his first opportunity this year off Henderson’s injury and I thought he really maximized the moment, played extremely well.” 

This is an unfortunate loss to an offensive line that is already dealing with injuries from starters like Henderson as well as Maika Matelau. Bielema did say there is “a chance” that one of, or both of those guys will return against SIU.

If they don’t return, Illinois will have to rely on its depth. Bielema mentioned Brandon Hansen, Eddie Tuerk and Dez Schuster as guys who will need to step up. With McMillen out for the season, they will need to replicate his versatility for this offense to not only succeed, but improve. 

Bielema has faith that they can do it. 

“Coming out of spring ball headed into the summer … we thought this was probably as deep as an o-line that we’d had,” Bielema said. 

We’ll see if the lack of combined reps for the offensive line will have an effect on QB Katin Houser. Despite a very strong first half against Duke in which he threw three touchdowns, he couldn’t quite get the offense going in the second half. 

A costly interception in the fourth quarter sealed the game for Duke. 

Saturday against SIU will be the first time we will see Houser have to bounce back after facing adversity. Bielema believes that his next step in development is learning how to overcome it, and having a banged up offensive line will certainly be a test for him. 

“Katin is an extremely fierce competitor and sometimes your greatest strengths can also be your greatest weaknesses,” Bielema said. “You can’t worry about things you can’t control. It’s not what happens, it’s how you react to what happens.” 

We’ll see if Houser and the Illini can bounce back against SIU this Saturday at 1 p.m.