Illinois Football: 3 keys for the Illini to beat the Wisconsin Badgers

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Aug 31, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Mike Epstein (26) runs the ball against the Akron Zips during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Running backs have to run wild

In 2019, Illinois was a below-average running team averaging only 144.4 yards per game on the ground. This ranked No. 81 in the nation.

The Illini put up those rushing numbers with a few solid running backs, all of whom aren’t on the roster for the 2020 campaign. We are essentially starting with a clean slate for the upcoming season.

But the backfield Illinois will be displaying is going to need to come through for the program if we want to win the game. Wisconsin’s strength right now is their secondary and their weakness is their defensive line. Let’s take advantage of the situation.

I don’t think I have to remind anyone of how Illinois took down No. 6 Wisconsin last season – although I did in the first slide. While the kick at the end that sealed the game was incredible – I cried tears of joy – the running attack is what really helped the Illini put away Wisconsin.

In that memorable game, Illinois’ two starting running backs had 28 carries for 153 yards and 1 touchdown. That comes out to 5.4 yards per carry, which is a great number against a traditionally solid Wisconsin defense.

Illinois is going to need that similar production again in 2020. Mike Epstein should be taking the lead with Chase Brown as a solid one-two punch. These two are going to need to replicate what Illinois got out of Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown. I believe they can do it too.

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