Call me a total pessimist, but Feagin still looks a little slow and tentative making reads in the backfield on hand offs
Game Thread: Illinois vs Western Illinois
- Status
The vision and cuts are just on another level compared to the other backs. Though Laughery and Feagin bring other things to the table that he doesn't.
We should learn just like that to take the three points when the game's literally over instead of just choosing to embarrass yourself. Should've did the same on three seperate occasions vs Oregon.
We have 3 viable RB's to rotate carries. We'll feed the hot hand.
I think he's our most talented back. He's ridiculously good. That said, having a pure burner and a physical punishing back, it's a very good platoon where opponents really need to have multiple ways to stop you. That said, I think Valentine has potential to be a true 1st team B10 back that I don't see with Feagin or Laughery. But he'll get that chance next year. This year spread the ball around and profit.
But yeah Valentine is something very special in my opinion
Where's J.Anderson?
I agree. Which also means we don’t have a dominant Chase Brown type of RB on the roster.
Botox commercial - everybody drink!
We've been pretty vanilla in the run game, I wouldn't worry about it.
Feels like Feagin needs 3 more games to really catch his stride and start playing without his injuries in back of mind. Also, feel the blocking lanes better and get his vision where it needs to be
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
I started reading on page 16. Any surprise starters tonight on either side of the ball? Did Bowick start at WR? M. Hood at LB?
He is really good. However, I worry about his ability to be a feature back at his size. He's really small. Even the WIU defenders make him look small. But, he's a great weapon as a change of pace and hopefully he does become an All B10 back.
He still has too much hesitation to his game. He has too much mass to stutter step or attempt to stop then start. Just hit the gas and punish people and brake tackles until you brake their spirit
Tight End / H Back
IMO Valentine's as good as any in that room... just likely won't get the snaps due to pass block, smaller build, less experience, etc. His "cut" ability is so much on line with Chase Brown.
Gentle Hunt with 1.5 sacks.
Another terrible call. Really weak PI call. Death, taxes, Botox commercials, and bad officiating.....sigh.
I think it's a fair concern as this was an issue for Feagin last year. I'd like to see him explode more off the hand-off to the designed gap and get a full head of steam as that's where he's going to be most effective. Very hard to tackle a body like that going full speed. Much easier if you can get to him when he's only at 25-50% or going side to side.
MoCoMdIllini
- Montgomery County, Maryland
Sounds like it's Ethan Hampton time.
Hampton suiting up...
biglug58
- Chicago, IL
But they were not gentle lol
I've been pretty disappointed with the run blocking tonight as a whole to be honest.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
Alot like last year's Central Michigan game.
- Status