3 biggest positives to pull from the huge Illinois football win over Oregon

Illinois football has shocked the world in Champaign on Saturday, and Oregon Ducks fans cannot believe it.

The Illini, who were 10-point underdogs against Oregon, defeated the Ducks 21-10 in Champaign for their fourth win of the season. This was Illinois' first win against Oregon in 56 years, dating back to their 20-16 win on September 19, 1970.

This was easily the biggest win for Bret Bielema and Co. this season, topping their performances against Michigan State and UAB. There was plenty to take away from this game.

Here are three biggest positives to pull from the huge Illinois football win over Oregon

1. Illinois football elevated their game to a new level against Oregon

The Illini defense has been a cause for concern this season, as they struggled through their first six games. It has been a tough start to the year, leading to the early dismissal of defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck.

Against Oregon, the defense took another step in the right direction, allowing their lowest point total since September 10 against Southern Illinois. They kept Dylan Raiola and the Ducks' offense in check. That is an offense that averaged 37.0 points per game, which ranked No. 23 in the country.

Oregon's offense was not at full strength, as they were missing quarterback Dante Moore and four of their top five receivers. Regardless of injuries, this was still a marquee performance for an Illinois defense that's been searching for an identity.

2. Javari Barnett continues to gain traction in Illinois' offense

The Illinois offense leaned heavily on the ground game against Oregon, running the ball 39 times while passing 19 times. The Illini thrashed the Ducks on the ground. Aidan Laughery led the way with 123 yards and a touchdown.

The Illinois backfield has been different since Ca'Lil Valentine's injury, but one positive that has come from this season is the rise of freshman Javari Barnett. He recorded six carries for 27 yards on Saturday.

Barnett averaged 4.5 yards per carry against the No. 34-ranked rush defense in the country, and looked impressive in the process. His physical running ability and angry running style have captured the hearts of the Illinois faithful as the program prepares for the future.

3. The implementation of Carson Boyd made Illinois' offense very intriguing

Michael Clayton II was the guy heading into Saturday's game, especially after his impressive performance against Michigan State two weeks ago. Clayton's ability to throw the deep ball, mixed with his calmness under pressure, showed that his ceiling is higher than his three-star ranking.

Clayton had flashes of brilliance within a game plan that leaned heavily on the run, but it was the implementation of sophomore Carson Boyd that really sparked my interest in this game.

Boyd, a St. Louis, Missouri, product, was used primarily as a runner in various packages throughout the game. In 11 snaps, Boyd completed one pass for five yards, but ran the ball four times for 21 yards.

It would be hard to sustain this game plan throughout the season, as teams will begin to key in on when Boyd comes into the game. But if they can get the second-year quarterback throwing the ball a little more, a two-quarterback system could be very intriguing to finish off the season.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow