Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Purdue

5. It’s Kaden Feagin time in the Illini backfield

I would love for Illinois to actually start running the ball consistently. I have been screaming from the mountaintops to run the ball. The Illini tried to convince me last game that this offense was pass-first, but they can’t fool me. This needs to be a running team.

Moving forward, I believe Kaden Feagin needs a bigger role on this team as well. He is a monster of a player who entered the program as a four-star recruit. Bret Bielema and the Illinois coaching staff were able to land the best player in the state of Illinois, and now it is time to use that talent at the running back position.

Feagin continues to impress me as well. I am not just saying Feagin should be given more carries because I think he has potential. He has shown me that he is a prime-time running back who could help the Illinois offense greatly.

Each time Feagin is given the ball, he looks impressive. He is an aggressive runner who can hit holes quickly and has the power of a fullback. Feagin finished the Purdue game with 11 carries for 85 yards. That is an impressive 7.7 yards per carry.

This isn’t an unusual yards per carry average either. For the season, Feagin now has 19 carries for 133 yards. That comes out to 7.0 yards per carry.

Feagin needs to be highlighted more in the Illinois offense. I think he has earned the backup spot on the depth chart. If Reggie Love III continues to be hampered by injury, then I think Feagin should get the start and be the featured back. We have the talent on the roster, so let’s use it.