Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Chattanooga

5. We are finally utilizing our tight ends

I would argue that Illinois has one of the most dynamic offenses we have had in the past decade. Not only came we run the football, but our passing game is actually a threat.

Led by Tommy DeVito, the Illini can actually move the ball down the field by throwing the ball. There isn’t just one main target either. DeVito shares the ball with all of his playmakers. One shocking revelation for the Illinois offense is the fact we can indeed use our tight ends.

The Thursday night win over Chattanooga proved again that the tight end position can be an asset to this program. Michael Marchese would finish the game with one reception for 25 yards and a touchdown. Luke Ford and Tim Reiman both had a reception in the game as well. These tight ends add an extra layer to our offense.

For the season, Illinois tight ends have now combined for 16 receptions for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Through four games, that is more than the Illinois tight ends had for the entirety of the 2018 campaign. They finished that season with 12 receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown.

If you project that tight end production out over 12 games, they are on pace for 48 receptions for 453 yards and nine touchdowns this season. That would be the most receptions, yards, and touchdowns by the Illini tight end group over the prior five seasons.

Finally, Illinois is using their tight ends. It is impressive what this unit is doing, and I can’t wait to see them progress throughout the year.