The Illinois football offense has some new pieces to it, and I think we have clearly upgraded.
Bringing in Brandon Peters was a great move for the Orange and Blue and one that will pay dividends. The Illinois quarterbacks threw for a combined 1,988 yards, 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2018. That is no way to win football games.
I believe Peters can improve on all of those numbers by himself. It all starts with the Akron game, though. What are the expectations for him in this game?
Well, this is his first game with everyone on this offense. I don’t expect Peters to go out there and throw for 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. What I want to see from him today is a solid, crisp, game. I want to see him starting to get into a rhythm with his wide receivers. Developing that chemistry is going to be important down the road.
I also want Peters to show a command of this Illinois offense. I know there will be rust and everything is new, so there will be mistakes, but I want to see him take control. He has a chance to lead this team to a bowl game in 2019. I want to see him act like that leader. As for stats, I am not too concerned about that right now. If I had to put a number on what I want to see out of him, I would say 250 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Illinois’ running game was the highlight of this offense last season, and I expect much of the same this year too. Reggie Corbin has a chance to climb the Illini rushing record book this season. Since this is a game against Akron, I am not sure how long he is actually going to play. I would like to see something like 80-100 yards and 2 touchdowns out of him today.
With a big lead by halftime, Illinois should be able to play some of their backups. A goal I have for this game against Akron is to play some of the backup running backs. I want to see what we have in the backfield once Corbin departs. Let’s get some of these younger guys more experience.
As for the wide receivers, it is all about chemistry in my books. I want to see them connecting with Peters. There will be times they run the wrong routes and the quarterback throws away from the wide receivers, but I want to make sure those are limited. Let’s see solid route running and a great connection with Peters.
Lastly, the offensive line has a chance to show the world how great they can be. I know this offensive line has talent, but they aren’t being talked about. I think the strength of the Illinois football team is our offensive line. They make everything go. My goal for them is just to protect Peters. Let’s not get him hurt. I think the Illini will put up some big numbers today, and it all starts with the big boys upfront.