Illinois looked great in Week 1.

In Week 2, not so much. Both games resulted in victories, though.

The difference? Well, there were a few differences, but in Week 2 against UConn, the team was without running back Reggie Corbin. In the season opener against Akron, Corbin ran six times for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Lead running back Mike Epstein also got hurt in that game, paving the way for Corbin to receive more carries. However, Corbin didn’t play in Week 2.

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For Week 3, will Corbin be back in action against Eastern Michigan? Illinois coach Lovie Smith gave an update on Monday:

Not much insight coming from Smith as of now. He did say that the team “needs him back.” Corbin being healthy will only help Illinois’ offense, and while the Fighting Illini may be able to get past Eastern Michigan without him, Big Ten opponents are ahead.

A potential 3-0 Illinois team would love to be fairly healthy going into its B1G opener against Nebraska in Week 4.