Illinois Football: 5 crucial areas of improvement during the Illini bye week

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Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rushing play percentage

I think it is clear that the Illinois football team functions better when we actually run the football. This was evident in the Wisconsin game.

The Illini had a 21-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Illinois controlled the clock the entire game, and we were able to put three touchdowns on the board in three quarters. For the game, Illinois had 45 rushing attempts to 21 passes.

That means the Illini ran the ball 68.2% of the time against the Badgers. That is a lot, and I am okay with running it that much. In fact, that is a lot higher of a run play percentage than we have had the entire season.

For the 2023 campaign, Illinois has a run play percentage of 47.87%, which ranks No. 94 in the nation. I want this Illini program to run the ball a lot, and this bye week, we need to work on developing the running attack.

It would be nice to have Reggie Love III back in action, but I honestly believe Illinois hasn’t missed a beat. We have installed Kaden Feagin into the starting running back role, and he has played well. Having a workhorse who can carry the ball 24 times in a game is a nice luxury.

I believe the designed runs for Luke Altmyer in the Wisconsin game were great for the offense too. We need to keep having Altmyer be a threat to run because that opens passing lanes when linebackers have to keep an eye on the quarterback scramble. Keep developing the run in the bye week, and our rushing play percentage will increase over the coming weeks.

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