Is Illinois football a contender in the Big Ten West?

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Can Illini football contend in the West?

October 22, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Luke Altmyer (7) warms up on a time out again the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Illinois football offense be more explosive?

The Illinois offense took a step forward in 2022. Syracuse transfer quarterback Tommy Devito ensured the passing game was not a liability as it was in 2021. The passing game was nearly 60 yards better in 2022 than in 2021. That said, the offense was “Chase Brown or Bust” too often last year.

As a result of being too dependent on Brown, the team went 1-4 down the stretch. The running game averaged over four yards per carry twice and won one of those games. Also, all of those games were one-possession losses. Could a big play or two from the passing game have made a difference in those close games?

Maybe.

We know the identity of a Bret Bielema-coached team. They are going to be physical along the line of scrimmage. He wants to run the football. The Illini will have the running backs to do so as well. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney, Jr. will use a by-committee approach to running the football. Josh McCray will likely lead that committee.

McCray is a big, physical runner with some wiggle. He’ll lead the charge behind a veteran offensive line that should be a Joe Moore Award candidate. Julian Pearl and Isaiah Adams are NFL prospects that anchor this line.

So, where’s the downfield passing game going to come from?

That begins with the development of Mississippi transfer Luke Altmyer. He has the arm to push the ball down the field. Can these receivers separate and get deep? Some of that is speed, and some of that is the scheme. Lunney does have some pieces to work with, however.

Pat Bryant, Casey Washington, and Isaiah Williams all return, but it might be some true freshmen who create big plays for the Illini. The highest-rated receiver since Arrelious Benn, Malik Elzy intends to start as a true freshman.

Kenari Wilcher, like Isaiah Williams in 2022, is transitioning to receiver full-time. He has sprinter speed and played everywhere in high school. Elzy and Wilcher can take the top of the defense Illinois needs.

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