Ep. 1223 - J Leman reviews Duke loss, previews Southern Illinois
Ep. 1223 - J Leman reviews Duke loss, previews Southern Illinois  
Podcast: Illini Inquirer Podcast: An Illinois Fighting Illini athletics podcast
Published On: Mon Sep 14 2026
Description: All-American linebacker and Illini Inquirer football analyst J Leman joins Jeremy Werner to react to Illinois football's 31-27 loss to Duke. Leman discusses his concern level after the loss, key miscues that swung the close game, the difference between a great offensive first half and poor close and what Illinois needs to be more successful defensively. Leman also discusses what he wants to see in the Illini's game Saturday against Southern Illinois and what he makes of a bad week for the Big Ten.Follow the Illini Inquirer Podcast on:Apple: https://apple.co/3oMt0NPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2Xan2L8 Other: https://bit.ly/36gn7Ct  Go VIP for 50% OFF: https://tinyurl.com/2fkhmjdz (0:00) - Intro(1:10) - J Leman's panic meter after Duke loss(3:00) - Biggest concerns after two games(5:00) - Secondary has to step up(7:23) - Missed tackles continue(12:20) - Limited defensive disruption(13:43) - Didn't make winning plays in key situations(18:30) - Offense can't close in winning time(28:52) - Offensive line injuries & run game inconsistency(30:50) - Collin Dixon's monster game and emergence(34:40) - What Leman wants to see vs. SIU(36:15) - Bad week for the Big Ten