Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Wyoming

3. Hot start for Chase Brown

Toward the end of the 2021 campaign, Illinois started to develop an identity. This team quickly turned into a power-running program, and that has a lot to do with the talent we have at running back.

The leader of the pack toward the end of last year was Chase Brown. He had some big games en route to Illinois pulling off a few upsets. His play on the field made him an obvious option to start for Illinois in 2022.

I expected Illinois to come out running the football and for Brown to have a big day against Wyoming. Honestly, I wasn’t disappointed at all. I didn’t think Brown could exceed my expectations, but he managed to do so.

Brown would finish the game against Wyoming with 19 carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry and nearly out-rushed the entire Cowboys program. Brown also showed off his catching abilities, pulling down three receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown.

I see people commenting on Twitter saying Brown for Heisman. While I would love for that to happen, I am going to need more games like this out of him for the rest of the season. This was a great performance, but it was also against Wyoming. I am rooting for this kid to continue this performance when we go up against Big Ten competition.

Brown had a great first game of the 2022 season. I think it is only the beginning of what could be one of the best rushing campaigns in program history.