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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Virginia

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) reacts after Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) reacts after Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 27: Chase Brown #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half at Memorial Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 27: Chase Brown #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs into the endzone for a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first half at Memorial Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Another big game from Chase Brown

Illinois basketball had a special talent with Kofi Cockburn. He was a player Illini fans had never seen before. The time Kofi spent in Champaign was special. I always said, just enjoy what you are watching because he will be gone before you know it. I take that same mentality with Chase Brown.

Brown is a special running back for the Illinois football program. He is starting to inch closer to being one of the greatest all-time historically, and he is on pace to have one of the best seasons we have ever seen.

Against Virginia, Brown continued his great play on the field. He would finish the game with 20 carries for 146 yards, which comes out to 7.3 yards per carry. That is an insane number for any running back in the college game.

Every time I watch Brown on the field, I am amazed by his abilities. I think the biggest thing that stands out to me is his patience. He doesn’t have to run full force into a pile like most running backs. Brown has the ability to chop his feet but not move and wait for the hole to open up. He reminds me a lot of Le’Veon Bell.

Through three games, Brown now has 496 yards and two touchdowns. He is averaging a career-best 6.6 yards per carry as well. This kid has a chance to etch his name into the Illinois record books for the rest of time. He is such a special player, and I hope Illini fans are just enjoying what they are watching.

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