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Illinois Football: 3 takeaways from loss to Cal in Redbox Bowl

By Dante Pryor

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini fights off the tackle of Ben Schrider #98 of the California Golden Bears during the first half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini fights off the tackle of Ben Schrider #98 of the California Golden Bears during the first half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Makai Polk #17 of the California Golden Bears catches a 26 yard pass over Nate Hobbs #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Makai Polk #17 of the California Golden Bears catches a 26 yard pass over Nate Hobbs #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. We saw two improving offenses

Since the over/under was 48 points, the odds makers did not think either team would get to 30 points. There were some that thought neither team would get to 20. Both California head coach Justin Wilcox and Illinois head coach Lovie Smith are both defensive-minded head coaches, but it was the offenses that took center stage most of the game.

Quarterback Chase Garbers led the Golden Bears passing attack and running back Christopher Brown, Jr. paced the Bears on the ground. Garbers went 22-for-31 for 272 yards and four touchdowns. His 22 completions were to nine different receivers. Brown led the Golden Bears in rushing with 20 carries for 120 yards. Freshman wide receiver Makai Polk led the Golden Bears with 105 yards on five receptions.

Michigan transfer quarterback Brandon Peters had his best game since joining the Illini leading them in passing and rushing. Peters went 22-of-37 for 273 yards and a touchdown. Not to be outdone by Garbers, Peters’ 22 completions went to 10 different receivers. He also ran for 68 yards on eight carries.

All-in-all, the Golden Bears and Fighting Illini combined for 845 total yards and 55 points. Wonder who took the over in this one.

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