3 big changes Illinois football can make to beat Penn State

3. Keep the running backs fresh

The Illinois offense caused a ton of pain for the fanbase last season against Penn State. Not only was Luke Altmyer playing some bad football, but we couldn’t get anything going on the ground either.

Reggie Love III was our leading rusher with 12 carries for 55 yards. A combination of Kaden Feagin and Josh McCray had a combined eight carries for 13 yards. This wasn’t a good running attack.

Overall, the Illini finished the game against Penn State in 2023 with 29 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. It is hard to win a game when, as a team, you are averaging 2.7 yards per carry.

Illinois is different this season, though. We made some changes in the backfield, and not only did the Illini get better, but I think we have a more dynamic running back room.

In 2023, Illinois didn’t have a lot of pop in the backfield. We had a bunch of bruisers who were going to work for every yard they gained. Someone was always going to be on their back.

Bret Bielema has a chance this time around to change things up. Illinois needs to keep the running back rotation fresh, and we have the players who can accomplish this goal.

Feagin and McCray are our bruisers still. Illinois can now add Aidan Laughery to the mix. He has quick bursts and great hips. We are also throwing freshman Ca’Lil Valentine into the mix. He is a smaller running back who is extremely fast and will help change the pace of the game.

Illinois couldn’t get the running game going in the game against Penn State in 2023. If we can keep the running back rotation fresh, then I think we can make progress in winning this game.