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5 key observations from the Illinois football win over Central Michigan

It was another great Saturday for the Illinois football program, as we moved to 3-0 on the seaosn.

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
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2. The Illinois running back room is interesting

Coming into the 2023 season, most people thought this was the time for Kaden Feagin to take the next step in his career. He was projected to have a big season, but that doesn’t seem to be happening.

When Feagin gets going on the ground, he is a monster to handle. That is a big human bearing down on you. But the problem with Feagin is that he is having a hard time getting going.

Feagin has been pretty slow in the backfield. When he gets the ball, he is thinking too much. This delays the start of his run, and he doesn’t have the speed to slow down and then speed back up. Instead of going full-blow into the line of scrimmage or into the hole, Feagin is hesitant. This leads to less-than-ideal runs.

In the last two games, Feagin has 26 carries for 65 yards. That is 2.5 yards per carry. Thankfully, he isn’t our only option in the backfield.

Yes, Josh McCray led Illinois in rushing against the Chippewas, but you could drive a semi through every hole McCray had. For some reason, the seas parted when he got handoffs. Honestly, the most impressive running back this season has been true freshman, Ca’Lil Valentine.

Coming into the season, I wasn’t sure how much playing time Valentine was going to get. He wasn’t an early enrollee, and Illinois had some veterans ahead of him. But Valentine has impressed at every turn.

Valentine had a great drive at the end of the Kansas game to seal that away. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry against Eastern Illinois as well. Against Central Michigan, Valentine was able to show off his speed.

Valentine ended the game against the Chippewas with five carries for 53 yards. He even had a reception for six yards. This kid is by far the quickest running back in the Illinois backfield, and he has the best moves from side to side.

Illinois’ running back room is very interesting. What I thought was going to be an obvious depth chart for the Illini isn’t anymore. A true freshman has thrown his hat into the ring, and let me tell you, he might be the best ball carrier we have.

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