Gophers caught a break with first half suspension for targeting for Illini star DT Johnny Newton.
From the Illini game notes:
• Newton was named to the AP Midseason All-American First Team.
• Newton is tied for the national lead in QB pressures among interior defenders with 31, according to PFF, equal to Tulane’s Patrick Jenkins. Newton leads Big Ten defensive tackles by eight pressures with the next closest being Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr. (23).
• Newton has been one of the most durable interior defenders in the nation, as he ranks third in the nation in snaps among defensive tackles with 502 (62.75 per game). Newton has played 67 more snaps than any other Big Ten interior defender, as Iowa’s Logan Lee is the next closest at 435.
• Newton’s two biggest games have come against two of Illinois’ best opponents. He had eight pressures against Wisconsin, the most by any defensive tackle in the nation this season, and seven pressures against #7 Penn State in Illinois’ Big Ten opener, the second-most by any defensive tackle in a game this season. Newton was the highest-rated Power-5 defensive tackle in the nation during Week 3 vs. Penn State and Week 8 vs. Wisconsin (minimum 30 snaps), according to PFF. His 95.0 grade against Wisconsin was the highest by a Big Ten defender since 2019.
From the Illini game notes:
• Newton was named to the AP Midseason All-American First Team.
• Newton is tied for the national lead in QB pressures among interior defenders with 31, according to PFF, equal to Tulane’s Patrick Jenkins. Newton leads Big Ten defensive tackles by eight pressures with the next closest being Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr. (23).
• Newton has been one of the most durable interior defenders in the nation, as he ranks third in the nation in snaps among defensive tackles with 502 (62.75 per game). Newton has played 67 more snaps than any other Big Ten interior defender, as Iowa’s Logan Lee is the next closest at 435.
• Newton’s two biggest games have come against two of Illinois’ best opponents. He had eight pressures against Wisconsin, the most by any defensive tackle in the nation this season, and seven pressures against #7 Penn State in Illinois’ Big Ten opener, the second-most by any defensive tackle in a game this season. Newton was the highest-rated Power-5 defensive tackle in the nation during Week 3 vs. Penn State and Week 8 vs. Wisconsin (minimum 30 snaps), according to PFF. His 95.0 grade against Wisconsin was the highest by a Big Ten defender since 2019.
