The Illini can run the ball and it sets up the RPO well
💯 @Dat26Kid
💯 @chasebrown____
💪 OL clearing the way #Illini lead the Big Ten in rushing yards and rank 2nd in rushing yards per game (222.4). pic.twitter.com/wKkX3xpQmH— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) November 23, 2020
While watching the Illini offense, it’s clear that while the quarterbacks offer different things, it all starts with the traditional running game. Illinois’ two running backs, Chase Brown and Mike Epstein, are both really good. Epstein provides more catching balls out of the backfield than Brown. Both are averaging 6.0 yards a carry and Epstein is averaging about 15 yards per catch.
The threat of getting the running backs involved in multiple ways forces linebackers to have to account for assignments. The Illini then uses this to work the RPO game to their tight ends and wide receivers. They use a lot of spread formations with a focus on their “Y” receiver, or tight end. The tendency to force linebackers to freeze just for a second helps free up receivers.
Being able to stop the running game early will help with forcing Illinois to not be able to play RPO in later downs. It runs a lot of double and triple sets, but in deeper situations on a down, the Illini struggle to get the defense to freeze looking for a run. Stopping tight end Daniel Barker should slow down the passing game overall.