Illinois Football: 3 key numbers for the Illini against Florida Atlantic

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Sep 8, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. (20) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton (4) and defensive back Miles Scott (10) and defensive back Xavier Scott (14) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

2. 44.0 yards

It has been a bit of a rough start for the Illinois football program. We are 1-2 through three games, but this week should be much easier.

The tough part about the first three games is the fact all three programs had a good rushing attack. The worst out of the bunch was Penn State, which has a killer running back duo in the backfield.

Toledo averages 211.5 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 15 in the country, Kansas averages 203 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 21, and Penn State averages 155 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 56.

On Saturday, Illinois won’t be going up against another juggernaut of a running team. Florida Atlantic is actually one of the worst teams in the country when it comes to a ground attack. They are only averaging 44.0 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 129 out of 133 DI programs.

When you look at the Florida Atlantic statistics, you will see their leading running back is Larry McCammon. He has 20 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown this season. That is 7.4 yards per carry average. This number is a bit skewed because he tore up a bad Monmouth team.

Honestly, I think Illinois has a chance to completely shut down Florida Atlantic. This is not a good team, and the only reason Clemson gave up 14 points was due to them putting in their bench in the fourth quarter. I look for the Illini to give up fewer than 10 points in this game.

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