Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini loss to UTSA

4. Running back youth movement

The running numbers for the Illinois football team do not jump off the page. As a team, we only had 35 carries for 146 yards and zero touchdowns. Those aren’t great numbers.

But one thing I did enjoy was some of the younger guys for the Illini getting the rock and playing well. I think the future is pretty bright at the running back position.

Reggie Love is who I am excited about the most. I wouldn’t be too worried about 11 carries for just 39 yards because the offensive line was terrible in run blocking. The fact Love was able to get 39 yards is nothing short of a miracle.

I also love the ability for Love to pick up on blitzes. Running backs aren’t in the backfield just to carry the ball. They also need to pass block at times. Love has proven that he is a good run blocker, which will get him more snaps down the road.

Shockingly, Jakari Norwood started the game for Illinois. He was electric right out of the gate with four carries for 26 yards, but the Illini stopped using him after that start. I was disappointed to not see more Norwood throughout the game.

Freshman Josh McCray saw some action in the UTSA game as well. He had five carries for 16 yards on the night. I liked how he ran the ball, and I want to see more from him this season.

So, Illinois got a ton of work out of two freshmen and a sophomore on Saturday. They were the heart of the running game, and I would like to see more from these young players. I love this running back youth movement.