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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Michigan

By Rees Woodcock

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 19: Tommy DeVito #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to pass during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 19-17. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 19: Tommy DeVito #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to pass during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 19-17. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Nov 19, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Chase Brown is amazing at football

The Michigan Wolverines have a really good defense. They are touted as one of the best defensive units in the country.

Coming into the game on Saturday, Michigan was only giving up 11.2 points per game, which ranked No. 1 in the nation. That is right, they were the best team in the country in giving up points. Illinois managed to score 17 points against the Wolverines.

The Wolverines were only giving up 72.7 rushing yards per game coming into the contest against Illinois. That number was good enough to rank No. 1 in the country as well. As a team, the Illini rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

Do you know why the Illini managed to crush those country-leading numbers that Michigan has been putting up this season? It is simple, Chase Brown.

Brown has been incredible this season. He has rushed for over 100 yards in each Illini contest, and that continued against a tough Michigan defensive line.

On Saturday, Brown would finish with 29 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his scores were the only touchdowns of the game for the Illini, and his second score was a massive 37-yard run that gave Illinois the lead.

I am glad I am alive to see Brown play football. He is going to go down as, arguably, the greatest running back in Illinois football history. By season’s end, I don’t think there is going to be an argument that Brown is the best running back Illinois has had over the past 50 years. He will have most of the Illinois rushing records. This kid has been amazing.

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