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Illinois Football: 3 observations from the Illini loss to Purdue

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 31, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith (right, top) is seen during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith (right, top) is seen during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini punter Blake Hayes (14) celebrates his touchdown with running back Chase Brown (2) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini punter Blake Hayes (14) celebrates his touchdown with running back Chase Brown (2) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Illinois has explosive talent offensively

With the emergence of Coran Taylor in the game against Purdue, it showed how much offensive talent this Illinois football team really has on that side of the ball.

The running game was extremely effective. Chase Brown led the way with 10 carries for 73 yards. Mike Epstein accounted for 13 carries for 63 yards and 1 touchdown. Those two are forming into a nice duo in the backfield.

But what really stood out to me is how much talent we have catching the ball. It was nice to see Brian Hightower have a breakout game with 4 receptions for 97 yards and 1 touchdown. His talent shined bright and was a big help for a young quarterback like Taylor.

Daniel Barker continues to be a beast of a tight end with 5 receptions for 74 yards. He is our rock on the offensive side of the ball. But I was more excited to see the other two tight ends get action today.

Daniel Imatorbhebhe had 2 receptions for 43 yards and 1 touchdown. He was the first Imatorbhebhe to score this season. And Luke Ford had his first catch as an Illini. While it was only 1 catch for 4 yards, Ford is going to continue being an important part of this program.

Next. Illini commit Samari Collier has another big night. dark

So, yes, a loss is never a good thing. But there are some positives to take away from this game. I think we saw a ton of promise from a young quarterback. I also believe we saw how much talent we have on the offensive side of the ball.

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