Illinois football starts the 2024 season on Thursday night when we take on Eastern Illinois.
I can’t believe the season is already here. The Illini play a meaningful game this week, but while the Panthers are FCS, they do bring a lot of talent with them.
Illinois can’t sleep on this talented Eastern Illinois squad. There are numerous players to keep an eye on, but I have selected three of the scariest game-changers for the Panthers
Here are three most dangerous Eastern Illinois players vs Illinois football
1. Pierce Holley (GR) – Quarterback
The biggest threat that Eastern Illinois is going to throw at the Orange and Blue is their quarterback, Pierce Holley. He has a ton of experience, and the Panthers go as he goes.
Holley transferred into the Eastern Illinois program before the start of last season. In 2023, he started in 11 games and was All-Big South/Ohio Valley second-team.
The numbers Holley put up were solid. He threw for 2,723 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. They don’t blow me away, but those are numbers that you have to keep an eye on.
- Best Attribute: Experience
You can’t discount experience in the college game, especially at the quarterback position. The fact Eastern Illinois has a player who has been around the college game for a half-decade is invaluable.
- Worst Attribute: Mobility
Illinois isn’t going to have to worry too much about Holley out of the pocket. He is more of a pocket passer who will try to pick you apart with his arm.
I the lone season Holley has played with Eastern Illinois, he has 75 carries for -82 yards. Those are not good numbers. If Illinois can put any type of pressure on Holley, he is in for a long night.