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Bret Bielema, Barry Lunney Jr. address Illinois’ red-zone concerns entering Week 8 bye
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Bret Bielema and Barry Lunney Jr. have to be pretty pleased with Illinois’ 6-1 start. That is even with the team facing some injuries in the backfield. The good news for the Illini is they could be getting some reinforcements shortly.
#illini Bret Bielema on red zone issues: Having multiple RBs should help red-zone, development of passing game should help and Lunney understanding the league better will help.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 19, 2022
News this week out of Champaign is that backup running back Josh McCray returned to practice. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound back hasn’t played since Week 0 against Wyoming. McCray has rushed for 31 yards on 8 attempts this season.
His expected return should help primary running back Chase Brown. Brown has led the Illini offensive attack with 1,059 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also has 15 receptions for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns.
#illini OC Barry Lunney Jr. on Josh McCray return's impact, specifically in red zone: "It won't hurt."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 19, 2022
The Illini have a bye before facing off against Nebraska in Lincoln. The extra week of rest for McCray and company probably comes at a good time.
Illinois heads down the stretch with a chance at a B1G West title and spot in the B1G Championship Game. The race in the division is likely to come down to a head-to-head matchup with Purdue down the road.