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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Chattanooga

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players celebrate their 31-0 win over the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players celebrate their 31-0 win over the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 10: Pat Bryant #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a catch during the first quarter in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 10: Pat Bryant #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a catch during the first quarter in the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. The emergence of Pat Bryant is exciting

Illinois’ spring game seemed like years ago, but this was the big introduction for the Illini fans to wide receiver, Pat Bryant. He looked good in the spring game, but that was just a scrimmage. Who knew what was going to happen come the fall?

But what ended up happening was the spring game was just a sample size of what was going to happen in August and beyond. Bryant didn’t just shine in the scrimmage, his game translated to the regular season.

On Thursday, Bryant put up some big numbers in a solid win for the Illini over Chattanooga. He would finish the game with six receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown. He is a nice big target for Tommy DeVito, and I would argue he is the go-to target when Illinois needs a deep ball.

Bryant has been amazing for the Illini. For the year, he is second on the team in receptions with 13 catches, and he is one yard shy of tying Isaiah Williams for the most receiving yards for the Orange and Blue. He currently has 259 yards on the season.

Despite Bryant being second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards, he has actually led Illinois in receiving yards in three out of the four games this season.

I think Bryant has an extremely bright future with the Orange and Blue. His gameplay and abilities remind me a lot of former Illini legend, Brandon Lloyd. I can’t wait to see what the rest of his career holds.

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