Illinois took care of business against Western Illinois in its season opener. The 52-3 drubbing of the Leathernecks demonstrated the Illini’s dominant ceiling.
Justin Bowick scored twice.
Hank Beatty looked like the offspring of Jerry Rice, Devin Hester, and a JUGS machine.
Luke Altmyer protected the football.
Gabe Jacas played 33 snaps and spent more time in Western Illinois’ backfield than Chris Irvin.
None of the inside linebackers had to play more than 20 snaps, yet the entire room looked like a collection
of future pros.
And that is the theme of this story.
Illinois is facing Duke this weekend, and they have not given away the game at all.
They showcased versatility and multiple options that will make Manny Diaz’ film study a more daunting task.
Running Back
Ca’lil Valentine is Illinois’ third-string back. The former four-star prospect from the known Illini recruiting hotbed of…checks notes…Arizona showed flashes of his ridiculous upside during his freshman season. His ability to cut and evade tacklers makes him the ideal alternative to established stars Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin.
(Yes, I called them stars. Go ahead, tell me they are not because of their lack of 1,000-yard seasons. But the talent and productivity have both been high while they have been on the field.)
Valentine toted the rock for 51 yards on nine carries. Thad Ward and company would take that from Valentine every week. But they may never need it again for the rest of the season.
Laughery could lead the Illini in yards and touchdowns this season after scoring two touchdowns and averaging 10(!) yards per carry (10 attempts for 101 yards).
When a 13-carry 74-yard performance from a former four-star prospect returning from an injury is buried in the background, then you have an impactful attack. So Feagin does not really need to be a workhorse to be an impact player.
Manny Diaz is an elite defensive coach. There is no doubt that he and Barry Lunney Jr. will have a duel worthy of two teams growing into their playoff legs.
And the challenge for Diaz will, in part, revolve around Illinois’ ability to throw high-end backs at every conceivable situation.
Linebacker
Dylan Rosiek only played 19 snaps. And despite his solid efficiency (86.7 PFF grade), he could comfortably cede snaps to a murderers’ row of athletic freaks.
Malachi Hood had three tackles in 20 snaps, continuing his pattern of making outsized contributions for his quantity of time on the field.
The presence of James Kreutz, Kennena Odeluga, and even Jojo Hayden (a versatile heat seeker who could play inside and outside) creates massive blocking challenges for Jonathan Brewer’s offense.
Rosiek is a traditional MIKE linebacker. But Odeluga can play in the overhang spot on third downs. Hood can play MIKE or WILL, and has the kind of physical playmaking style that impacts big games.
And James Kreutz’ rangy rage may result in some missed coverages/tackles, but his football IQ and toughness could reap greater rewards against the Blue Devils.
Outside Linebacker
2006 Chuck Norris memes all apply to Gabe Jacas.
Gabe Jacas is all of the Monstars from Space Jam in one.
Gabe Jacas is so good that he can physically spawn an army of smaller Gabe Jacas’ on third downs to cause extra trauma for opposing quarterbacks.
Alec Bryant and Leon Lowery are rock-solid veteran edge rushers who bring consistency. The presence of Jojo Hayden and Daniel Brown gives the Illini the option to go for more size, speed, and explosiveness on third downs. A Hayden/Odeluga combo while Jacas stays on the field should terrify even mature quarterbacks like Darian Mensah.
Also, just think about the road not traveled for a moment. Gabe Jacas was a Tulane commit. Darian Mensah was Tulane’s quarterback. Would Gabe Jacas give Duke more playoff buzz? Of course he would. But we do not live in the world where that road is available. We live in a road where Superfly TNT is lining up for the Illini, and he has a talented, capable band of havoc wreakers to make Darian Mensah wish he was at Cafe du Monde.
