Illinois Football: 5 observations from the win over Kent State

4 of 6

CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 01: Ricky Smalling #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the ball after a reception during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Kent State 31-24. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Maybe Illinois was just trying to find their grove

Like previously mentioned, the Illinois football team struggled in the first half of the Kent State game. They were down 17-3 at halftime and it was a combination of the offense not being able to sustain drives and the defense struggling because they were tired and missing some of their best players.

The first half wasn’t good, but have we ever thought maybe it was because this Illini offense was just trying to find a grove? Illinois entered this game with a new quarterback who hasn’t started a game at the DI level in his career.

AJ Bush wasn’t very good in the first half. His running was okay, but his passing was a little off and the offense couldn’t get going. But, can you really be that hard on the kid? He has been practicing less than 30 days with the team before taking the field for his first game as a starting DI quarterback.

In the second half, Bush was a much better passer and he used his legs a lot more effectively. He was sensational as he led the Illini to a comeback win. The team lost the first half 17-3 but won the second half 28-7. The second half was what I was expecting to see the entire game. And, when the offense started to click, the defense started to get more rest and was better when they took the field.

Illinois really came alive in the second half against Kent State. Their performance on Saturday makes me think they just had a bad first half as they were trying to gel.

Home/Illinois Football