5 painful observations from the Illinois football loss to Oregon

4. I loved Illinois’ shifty running backs

There isn’t a lot of positives to take out of the Illinois football offense. We didn’t look good for much of the game, and it showed with just nine points.

I will give praise to one unit, though. The Illinois running backs have and will continue to impress me on the football field. I love what we have in the stable, as they are talented and quick.

Aidan Laughery gave me a little hope in the first half with his ability. He was able to get between defenders and find holes that weren’t even there. I am glad he is healthy because I think he is our best running back. Laughery had 12 carries for 69 yards. His big run in the first half set up an Illinois field goal to get the game to 14-3.

I was also impressed with Ca’Lil Valentine. The true freshman has a special talent, and he is the future of the running back position in Champaign.

The fact Valentine got good playing time against a team like Oregon is exciting. It shows you his chops and true ability when he is running against elite talent. Valentine finished with five carries for 27 yards. He also had his first career touchdown, which was Illinois’ only touchdown of the game.

Laughery and Valentine form a nice duo, and it legitimately sounds like a law firm. These two have similar running styles, as they can get through holes and have great hips. They can make subtle movements to shed defenders and get more yards after contact. Both players also averaged over 5.0 yards per carry, as Laughery was at 5.8 yards per carry and Valentine finished at 5.4 yards per carry.

Illinois football is in good hands with Laughery and Valentine at running back moving forward. The crazy part is, that the Illini running back room runs deeper than just these two as well. What we have built at the position is impressive.