3 huge X-factors for the Illinois football team against Kansas

2. Aidan Laughery

Illinois has a couple of good running backs at the top of the ticket this season. Kaden Feagin is the star, as he is a monster who can carry the rock well.

Feagin is going to always get his on the field. He has the power and strength to bull through defensive lines. But I think Aidan Laughery could be an X-factor for Illinois on Saturday.

While Feagin brings more of a traditional running back style to the field, Laughery can change the pace completely. Feagin is going to pound the rock and punish defenders, but Laughery is more of a quick-movement type of player who you can’t let slip away or he is going for a big gain.

In game one against Eastern Illinois, not only did Laughery get the start, but he outpaced every other Illinois running back. Laughery finished the game averaging 7.9 yards per carry, which is insane.

If it is just Feagin in the backfield, the Illinois offense could get stagnant. Bielema has a great backfield that has a unique player like Laughery, though.

In addition to Laughery’s ability to run the ball and wiggle through defenders, he is also a solid receiver out of the backfield. That is another element of what to expect on Saturday. He had two receptions for seven yards against the Panthers last week.

2023’s contest against Kansas didn’t pan out the way Illinois fans had hoped. But the Illini running backs only had 13 carries for the game. That number should change drastically. One of the reasons is that Laughery didn’t play against the Jayhawks. He is ready to suit up and change the game completely. Laughery is one of our X-factors.