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Rapid Reaction: Illinois powers past Wyoming for blowout win in Week 0
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Final Score: Wyoming 6, Illinois 38
Brief Recap: Illinois hit the field to start the 2022 college football season in Week 0. That season opener against Wyoming was textbook with the Illini clicking on both sides of the ball and rolling past the Cowboys in blowout fashion.
It started right out of the gate with Illinois beginning on offense and using just 41 seconds to find the end zone in 2022. Unsurprisingly, Chase Brown was a big reason for that.
The versatile running back ripped off a long run and then reeled in a touchdown off a pass from quarterback Tommy DeVito to put Illinois on the board. By the time halftime arrived, Brown had eclipsed 100 yards with 2 touchdowns in the game, surpassing 2,000 career rushing yards in the process.
While Wyoming did kick two field goals and threatened a couple of times, the Cowboys were never seriously in the game. Illinois controlled the line of scrimmage on offense and shut down Wyoming defensively for the blowout win.
Key Player: This award could go to a number of people, but it goes to Chase Brown in the season opener. Brown produced a hat trick offensively with 2 rushing touchdowns and another receiving. Illinois looks to be better on the offensive side of the ball in 2022 and Brown is the heart and soul of that unit.
Key Stat: 250+ rushing yards. There is no secret what the game plan is for Bret Bielema’s squad. Even with new OC Barry Lunney Jr. leading the offense, the Illini are always going to lean heavily on the ground game.
Brown was the key cog in that attack with Reggie Love adding on a late touchdown in the blowout. Even with DeVito on the roster and a hopefully improved passing game, Illinois will still play through its ground game throughout the year.
Key Concern: Injuries to running back Josh McCray and Isaiah Williams. Both offensive players left the game with apparent injuries, and it will be interesting to hear what Bielema has to say about the duo.
McCray – the No. 2 RB for the Illini – appeared to hyperextend his knee on one rushing attempt. He had to be helped off the field and was later seen limping with an ice bag taped around his knee.
Williams left with what appeared to be a lower-body injury, but the severity was unknown. He eventually left the field on a cart while riding on the front seat.
What it means for Illinois: The tune-up game went as expected for Illinois with the offense finding balance and clicking consistently against Wyoming. As for the defense, Ryan Walters’ unit looked up to the task and was well-oiled out of the gate.
The bigger issue for Illinois is the apparent injuries to the pair of offensive pieces. Williams is the team’s leading receiver from 2021 and McCray is also a key piece. Chase Brown will continue to shoulder the weight, but McCray gives the unit much-needed depth and another talented player in the backfield.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.