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Illinois Football: Top performers against Western Kentucky

By Rees Woodcock

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks over the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 31-16. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks over the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 31-16. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 20: Storm clouds roll in during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Texas State Bobcats at Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2014 in Champaign, Illinois. Play was suspended until the weather passed. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

4. Mike Epstein

People knew Mike Epstein was going to be a good player coming out of high school. This kid had all the makings of a good running back who could also catch the ball out of the backfield. What he has done two games into his career is extremely impressive, though.

In the first game against Ball State, Epstein shared carries with Kendrick Foster. This was slightly surprising considering Foster was the returning senior and Epstein was only a true freshman. But, Epstein outrushed Foster by 39 yards and was way more effective. The coaching staff took note of this.

Epstein was once again the leading rusher for this Illinois football team but this time he was the lead back. He started the game for the Illini and didn’t give the coaching staff any reason to sit him for another guy. He finished the game with 21 carries for 111 yards. He was sensational on the ground and one of the main reasons this Illinois team came out victorious.

Next: Recruiting update on the class of 2018

Illinois started to realize they needed to run the ball more as well. Crouch still threw 25 times for the game but the Illini also ran the ball 50 times. That is a nice ratio and they should keep that moving forward. Epstein is the reason why they can have that ratio, though. His abilities bring a new aspect to the Illinois offense. He is also on pace for 990 yards rushing this season as a true freshman. This kid has such a bright future.

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