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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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4. Illinois has a dangerous one-two punch at wide receiver

Luke Altmyer has been great this season. I touched on his progression in the first slide. He has developed into skilled pocket passer, and I didn’t think that was going to happen.

While Altmyer is looking better than last season, I would argue, that Illinois might have a better wide receiver corps than last season. If nothing else, we have a one-two punch at wide receiver that can rival any in the past 20 years.

Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin have turned into an incredible wide receiver duo for the Illini. They are the top two pass catchers on the team by far. They provide a nice mix of talent too.

Bryant finished the Central Michigan game with seven receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns. He has now hit at least 63 yards in all three games this season. At 6-foot-3, Bryant is Illinois’ big go-to target. He can jet down the sidelines and play the Randy Moss role for the Orange and Blue. It is a tough ask to guard this kid.

Illinois can then throw Franklin at you. He had five receptions for 66 yards against the Chippewas. Franklin has now had 165 yards in the past two games for the Illini. When Illinois needs a first down, we go to Franklin. He is the most sure-handed wide receiver we have. He plays the Isaiah Williams role, but I believe Franklin is more dangerous because he is much bigger than Williams at 6-foot-1.

In my opinion, both Bryant and Franklin are NFL wide receivers. They are one of the best one-two punches Illinois has ever had at the position.

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