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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback John Paddock (4) celebrates his touchdown throw during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback John Paddock (4) celebrates his touchdown throw during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Tip Reiman (89) during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Tip Reiman (89) during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Illinois has a monster in Kaden Feagin

Coming into the Minnesota game, it is not like Illinois was a healthy team by any means. We didn’t have our starting running back in Reggie Love III, and even more depth was missing with Aiden Laughery not making the trip. The running back position was on the shoulders of Kaden Feagin, and he has big enough shoulders to take on this burden.

Feagin was a rock for the Illinois offense. When we needed some positive yards to help extend a drive, he was there. Feagin finished the game with 22 carries for 89 yards. He didn’t have any big runs, but he was extremely consistent and hard to bring down.

The size of Feagin really makes him difficult to deal with, but then you add the fact he is also a great receiving running back, that is what makes him elite. Feagin showed that elite ability against the Golden Gophers.

Feagin came out of the backfield and into the flat. Luke Altmyer dumped the ball to him, and Feagin started galloping. He glided between two solid blocks from Illinois wide receivers, and he was off to the races.

The play resulted in a 54-yard touchdown reception by the talented true freshman running back. When I watch Feagin with the ball, his physical size and running ability remind me a lot of someone like Derrick Henry. He isn’t the fastest player east to west, but when you get him downhill, you better watch out.

There are a few things I want Illinois fans to keep in mind as well. Feagin is dealing with a bad offensive line. I am not saying they are below average, I am saying this offensive line is awful. I also want to note that Feagin is just a true freshman. His knowledge will continue to develop and, I am sorry to tell Big Ten opponents, his body will continue to develop as well. Feagin is going to be a monster for the Illinois football program.

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