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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 15, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) runs through the Minnesota Golden Gophers defense during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) runs through the Minnesota Golden Gophers defense during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Chase Brown will be great at the next level

It is extremely fun to watch Chase Brown perform on the field. He is one of the greatest Illinois running backs I have ever seen. When his time is done in Champaign, he will be looked at as one of the greatest to ever suit up for the Orange and Blue.

Against Minnesota, Brown had another spectacular game. He would finish the day with 41 carries for 180 yards. This performance put Brown over 1,000 yards rushing for the second season in a row. The last Illinois football player to do that was Robert Holcombe back in 1996 and 1997.

Brown continues to rack up accolades and records, and while he is a legendary Illinois running back, I think there is a nice soft landing spot coming with an NFL franchise in the future.

I believe Brown has the skills and ability to be a sensational running back in the NFL. Let me first start with his running.

When Brown runs the ball, he isn’t just going full force into the back of some offensive lineman. He is smart with the ball. Brown has the patience to see when a hole is opening and where it will open. I also love his ability to shift his hips to get through holes. It is incredible to watch.

But Brown is more than just a great runner of the football. He has developed into a solid pass catcher as well.

On Saturday, Brown would be fourth on the team in receiving with three receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. That was really the only thing missing from making Brown the most dynamic running back I have ever seen for the Illini, and he can now check that off the list.

Brown is going to finish his time with the Illini as one of the greatest to ever play in Champaign. After his time at Illinois, the NFL will be calling. This kid is special.

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