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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 offensive lineman Brevyn Jones (76) huddles with teammates before their game 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 offensive lineman Brevyn Jones (76) huddles with teammates before their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Luke Ford is a bigger asset than what it seems

In the offseason last year, Illinois had a great transfer come into the program in Luke Ford. One of the best tight ends in his recruiting class, Ford committed to Georgia but after a year left and came back home to Illinois.

Being such a highly-touted tight end, many thought Ford would be a more integral part of the Illinois passing game. That hasn’t been the case in the least bit. Ford has a total of 1 catch for 4 yards this season. He hasn’t even been targeted that much either.


But just because Ford isn’t catching passes doesn’t mean he isn’t being a huge part of the Illinois offense. I would argue that Ford is the best blocker Illinois has on the football team right now. He does some tremendous work that doesn’t get very much notoriety.

There was one play in particular on Saturday where Ford was the lead blocker. Chase Brown took the handoff and Ford was out front. He absolutely blew up the first defender who would have made the tackle in the backfield for a loss.

Instead of that defender making a play, he was blown up and tossed three yards backward by Ford. This enabled Brown to run for the first down and continue moving the ball.

Next. Full scouting report on Illini guard Luke Goode. dark

Ford’s impact on this Illinois offense isn’t on the stat sheet. You aren’t going to find him racking up the yardage or catches. But he is making a huge impact on this team in the blocking game. He is willing to get down and dirty, and that is what I love about this kid. Ford is doing whatever it takes to win.

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