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Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini win over Rutgers

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith walks on the field during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith walks on the field during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Donny Navarro (86) celebrates his touchdown with running back Chase Brown (2) in front of Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Lawrence Stevens (29) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Donny Navarro (86) celebrates his touchdown with running back Chase Brown (2) in front of Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Lawrence Stevens (29) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Illinois’ run game was sensational

To piggyback off the previous slide, Illinois’ running game was amazing on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights couldn’t stop the Orange and Blue from moving the ball on the ground.

As previously mentioned, Isaiah Williams ran the ball for 192 yards and 1 touchdown on 31 carries. Those are insane numbers for a running back let alone a quarterback making his first start. Expect more of that in the near future.

Williams’ great running ability opened up the offense for the other running backs to get more space. Chase Brown was the second-leading rusher for Illinois, as he had 17 carries for 130 yards. Mike Epstein even got in on the action with 10 carries for 18 yards and 1 touchdown.

Illinois ended the day running the ball 59 times for 337 yards and 2 touchdowns. This was the best running game for the Illini in recent memory. Illinois’ offense needs to keep Williams in the game to keep this running attack dangerous.

Another benefit of the running attack being on point is the time of possession. Illinois was one of the worst teams in time of possession entering the game, but the Illini took control and had the ball for 34:38 compared to Rutgers who only had it for 25:22.

Running the ball won the game for the Illini. They controlled the day and moved to 1-3 on the season. I can’t wait to see how the offense progresses from here.

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