Football
Why the Illini Running back room will carry the team
Illini Football head coach Bret Bielema has been impressed with his offense through camp, and praises their progression

The Illini Football season starts in eleven days. There are mixed expectations heading into a very important season, however, Bret Bielema continues to rave about Barry Lunney Jr‘s offense.
According to the Illini head coach, there have been apparent forward steps taken within the structure of Illinois run game. Certainly, this is great news for the Fighting Illini staff, who have committed to delivering a more balanced offense in 2024.

Jan 2, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh McCray (0) stiff arms Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Jett Johnson (44) during the first half in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Back and Better
Illinois finished 83rd in the nation in total offense just a season ago. One major reason was the separate losses of Aidan Laughery, Josh McCray, Reggie Love III, Kaden Feagin, and Jordan Anderson. Without adequate depth, the Illini became rather predictable and easy to scout.
However, Bielema has reported that the unit is healthy. If the running back room is healthy, look for the Illini to heavily rely on their stable of talented backs.
Video Credit: Illini Inquirer
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. For more Illinois Athletics and Big Ten content from Armchair Illini, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!
Please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. Please subscribe to our podcast, IlliniCast, the top Illinois fan podcast. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!
-
Football5 days ago
Former Illini Pat Bryant makes NFL Debut
-
Football6 days ago
Breaking: Illini Freshman RB Out for the Season
-
Football2 days ago
Former Illinois Football Wide Receiver Signs with the 49’ers
-
Football4 days ago
Luke Altmyer: Faith, Leadership, and the Heartbeat of Illinois Football
-
Football18 hours ago
Illinois Football Opens 2025 Season with Huge Point Spread vs WIU
-
Football2 days ago
Armchair Illini Podcast Episode 2: Big Ten Preview With CBS’s Tom Fornelli
-
Football16 hours ago
Former Illini Te’Rah Edwards Makes an Interception for the LA Chargers
-
Football18 hours ago
Former Illini Pat Bryant Turning Heads in Denver