What we learned by watching the Zips in a 42-3 loss to Illinois:
Illinois investment in the transfer portal paid immediate dividends:
While the jury is still out on how much Illinois improved and how much of its success was was due to its opponent’s play, its clear enough that the transfer portal helped Illinois. Michigan transfer QB Brandon Peters accounted for 4 scores combined on the air and ground. USC transfer defensive end Oluwole Betiku Jr. had six tackles and one-and-a-half sacks. Another USC transfer, wide receiver Trevon Sidney, caught a touchdown pass.