Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Rutgers

3. Pass catchers need to help AJ Bush

Listen, I realize the deficiencies we have at the quarterback position. AJ Bush has a great running ability, but his passing is suspect, to say the least. But, even with that being said, his pass catchers still need to help him in the passing game.

There were three times that come to mind in the game against Rutgers that could have ended the contest even sooner. There was a big downfield pass to Carmoni Green that was a bit underthrown, sure, but Green needed to come down with the ball. It hit him in the hands, so it should have been his.

Ricky Smalling had one toward the sidelines. I believe it was a back-shoulder throw that was probably a little off, but it was a good enough pass to be able to catch. Smalling dropped the pass that would have moved the chains.

There was also a huge drop by Mike Epstein as well. The pass was a little late, which enabled the defender to get to Epstein sooner, but it still should have been a catch. Epstein came down with the ball and started to run. But, the ball was punched out by the defender.

Illinois won this game by three touchdowns, but these big drops could kill this team moving forward in a closer game. The Illini pass catchers need to help Bush in the passing game.