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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini loss to South Florida

By Rees Woodcock

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 15: South Florida Bulls wide receiver Darnell Salomon (3) catches the football for a touchdown in the 4th quarter of action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Florida Bulls on September 15, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The South Florida Bulls defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini by the score of 25 to 19. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 15: South Florida Bulls wide receiver Darnell Salomon (3) catches the football for a touchdown in the 4th quarter of action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Florida Bulls on September 15, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The South Florida Bulls defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini by the score of 25 to 19. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 15: Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback M.J. Rivers II (8) throws the football in action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Florida Bulls on September 15, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The South Florida Bulls defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini by the score of 25 to 19. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 15: Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback M.J. Rivers II (8) throws the football in action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Florida Bulls on September 15, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The South Florida Bulls defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini by the score of 25 to 19. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Outline for a great QB is there

There were some struggles from MJ Rivers on Saturday. This true freshman quarterback received his first start of his career against South Florida and didn’t do too bad despite some struggles.

Rivers finished the game completing 20-of-29 passes for 168 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Honestly, as a true freshman quarterback, the final stat above is what is key. The zero interceptions are huge for this Illini team. He didn’t make mistake through the air.

I also liked some of the passes Rivers threw as well. He has good arm strength and can get the ball to his receivers. I have a feeling the entire playbook might not be open to him yet either. Rivers also has a great ability to get out of trouble at times as well. His big body is hard to bring down.

But, there were some big issues I saw on Saturday night too. Rivers doesn’t like to get rid of the ball. He took some big sacks, one of which was toward the end of the game. These sacks killed any forward momentum or potential to win the game.

Rivers doesn’t have the running ability like AJ Bush either. Bush was able to put up a 100-yard game before getting injured. That is impressive and an element that isn’t exactly there for Rivers. He doesn’t have that threat to put the defense on their heels. Rivers also had a big fumble on Saturday during a run-pass option play. This fumble was accredited to Reggie Corbin, but it was on the quarterback in my books.

There were some ups and downs for Rivers in the game against South Florida. Even though there are some issues that need to be fixed, I believe the framework for a great quarterback is there. The future of this program is extremely bright at the quarterback position.

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