Illinois’ Dominating 2nd half leads to 24-14 win over Charlotte
By Jeff Mayfield

[October 04, 2021]   At halftime Saturday with Illinois trailing the Charlotte 49ers 10-14, I leaned over and suggested to the LDN’s Greg Taylor that the 2nd half could be the defining moment for Bret Bielema’s first Illini team. And wow-what a response!

The Illini defense shut out the 49ers in the last two quarters and the offense put up lots of yardage and two touchdowns enroute to a 24-14 victory.

Though the first half wasn’t always a thing of beauty, the end result of the game was. AND, the lessons learned could have a positive effect on how much this team grows in the next few weeks.

What we liked

Chase Brown rushed for 257 yards [that is not a misprint] and two touchdowns and basically refused to be slowed down much less stopped. But props to the offensive line for their outstanding effort especially in the final 30 minutes. [By the way, Brown’s effort was the 4th biggest rushing day in Illini football history, and his 80-yard td run was the 10th longest rushing td Illinois has ever recorded!].

Illini tight end, Daniel Barker, also scored on a 10-yard td reception. That was the 10th receiving td for him and moves him into first place amongst all former Illini tight ends on the td list!
 

Loved QB Brandon Peters taking off and running on a couple of plays that extended drives and gave the Illini more chances.

On the defensive side of the ball=Owen Carney, Jr. recorded two huge 4th quarter sacks that kept Charlotte at bay!

What concerns us

Illinois seems to continue to start slow. As the competition increases in the coming weeks the Illini will need to rise to that challenge.

Illinois QB Brandon Peters appears to be struggling with some reads & progressions on pass plays. We’re not sure if it’s a field vision issue, or not quick enough through the progressions, or exactly what it is…but, here’s hoping to getting that cleaned up & fixed in the coming weeks.

The pendulum seems to swing back & forth every year on rules enforcement and points of emphasis. Whether it’s sideline warnings to both teams, targeting, too much roughness on tackles, etc….as someone who’s played a lot of football in my life=honestly, I’m really confused! Not sure what they’re asking coaches and players to do? Football is a tough sport-it’s played by men…there will be big & huge hits…don’t completely emasculate the game-let them play=end of rant!

Final summation

The win was #99 for Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema’s illustrious career! Congrats Coach & I-N-I !

ALSO

Hats off to the Lincoln Railers for getting their 3rd win of the season with a thrilling victory over Mattoon!

And CONGRATS to Lincoln HS Soccer on another outstanding season!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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