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Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini loss to Maryland

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 17, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks off the field after the loss against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema walks off the field after the loss against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Maryland Terrapins linebacker Durell Nchami (30) tackles Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (0) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Maryland Terrapins linebacker Durell Nchami (30) tackles Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (0) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. I love our running back room

Most people will draw negative conclusions from the three-game losing streak Illinois is currently on, but I think there are a decent number of positives as well.

One of the biggest positives is how good Illinois is going to be at running back in the future. Let’s first start off with the gen Bret Bielema found in Josh McCray.

Illinois hasn’t had a running back like McCray in quite some time. This kid is all power and is a monster to take down. He ended the night with eight carries for 60 yards and one touchdown. He could have had more in the game but injury-plagued the Orange and Blue throughout the night.

Chase Brown still has a couple of years left with the Illini as well. He was the lead guy coming into the season but has since started being in a timeshare with the rest of the running backs. Brown had a solid game with 14 carries for 57 yards.

My personal favorite running back is Reggie Love. I think he is sensational on the ground and in the pass protection game. He finished with 10 carries for 30 yards. I haven’t even mentioned Jakari Norwood who has 11 carries for 77 yards on the season. The dude is so elusive.

Honestly, this is the deepest I have seen Illinois at running back possibly in my lifetime. We can go four deep and not miss a beat. There is plenty to be excited about when it comes to the Illini backfield.

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