Illinois Football: Top 3 Illini performers in the loss to Kansas

That was a rough game to watch on Friday night, as the Illinois football team fell to the Kansas Jayhawks.

I was expecting a high-scoring affair with the result going in favor of the Illini. That didn’t end up being the case, as the Illinois offense couldn’t move the ball down the field.

Despite it being a loss and the Illini record now 1-1 on the season, there were some good performances on the field. I was pleased with a few of the Illinois players.

Here are the three top Illinois football performers in the loss to Kansas

1. Griffin Moore

• Stats: 4 receptions, 56 yards

Illinois didn’t look good for much of the game on Friday night, but there was a player who I think the program could utilize more moving forward.

The Illini have roughly zero tradition at the tight end position, but I feel like a Bret Bielema-style team should have a big tight end. Illinois might have an emerging one in fifth-year junior, Griffin Moore.

Coming into the game on Friday night, Moore only had one reception for 17 yards for his career. This reception came this year actually in the bowl game back in January. He hasn’t been used nearly enough, but I see the potential in him developing chemistry with Luke Altmyer.

Moore was a big part of Illinois moving the ball against Kansas. He finished the game with four receptions for 56 yards, which were both good enough for second on the team. Moore running down the seam and getting open was big for Altmyer, and I believe the quarterback was specifically looking for Moore as well.

Tip Reiman is clearly the red zone tight end target for Altmyer, but I think Moore should see more snaps. I don’t believe he dropped a pass against the Jayhawks, and he is someone who can put a hurting on a linebacker or defensive back with his size.

Let’s get Moore involved in the offense. He could be a big-time asset for the Illinois football team.