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Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini loss to Virginia

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 11, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Doug Kramer (65) sits on the bench against the Virginia Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Doug Kramer (65) sits on the bench against the Virginia Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Jakari Norwood (3) carries the ball as Virginia Cavaliers defensive back Antonio Clary (14) chases in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Jakari Norwood (3) carries the ball as Virginia Cavaliers defensive back Antonio Clary (14) chases in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The running back situation confuses me

Let me start off by saying that I love the way the Illinois running backs run the ball. They are ferocious and extremely talented. I think we have some of the best running backs the program has seen in years.

The rotation and decision-making on which running back goes into the game is what really confuses me the most. Is there any rhyme or reason why a running back is in the game?

I understand having a rotation of running backs throughout the first eight minutes or even the first quarter of the game. This enables the coaching staff to find the hot hand. But that isn’t the case with the Illini.

Illinois had three main runners of the football against Virginia. Chase Brown finished with seven carries for 41 yards and a touchdown. Josh McCray had seven carries for 33 yards. And Jakari Norwood had four carries for 35 yards.

My biggest issue is why aren’t we going with the hot hand? I think it was clear on Saturday that Norwood was the best running back for the Illini. Honestly, this has been the case for the entire season as well.

Norwood has earned more carries, and that is what I want to see happen. He now has 11 carries for 77 yards this season. That is a 7.0 yards per carry average. He has truly been unstoppable. I don’t mind feeding the other running backs, but let’s start shifting the load management over to Norwood. He is electric.

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