The Illini were able to break their four-game losing streak Saturday with a 24-14 win over Charlotte, which is also their first non-conference victory of the year.

Despite not starting the game, Chase Brown led Illinois to victory from start to finish, with the running back scoring two touchdowns on the day while notching a top-five rushing performance in team history, finishing with 257 yards.

The Illini had a slow start on both offense and defense, giving up a late first-half touchdown to go into halftime trailing the 49ers 14-10. But, the defense had a great second half, holding Charlotte scoreless, and Illinois added two touchdowns to win the game by double digits and get back in the win column.

Holy, Chase Brown

As I mentioned before, Chase Brown had one of the best rushing performances in team history on Saturday for the Illini. His 257 yards were the fourth most in a game in program history, which was highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown run to end the third quarter.

The performance came in Brown’s first week back from injury, which is why he didn’t start the game, and Bret Bielema instead gave the starting nod to Josh McCray. McCray also had a good game, but it was more than clear that Saturday was Chase Brown’s day.

The redshirt junior refused to go down on any of his runs, with most of his yards coming after contact. Brown is the leader of a talented Illinois running back group, which has proven it has to play well for Illinois to win games this year.

Isaiah’s open!

Poor Isaiah Williams. The quarterback-turned-receiver is so darn talented and gets open all the time, but he does not have the receptions to show for it.

On multiple occasions Saturday, Williams was wide open but not thrown to because Brandon Peters flat out missed him. On none of those plays did Illinois gain any meaningful yards. Peters also missed other wide open players, but there were none more than Isaiah.

Williams moved to receiver for a reason, and he does seem to be the most talented one Illinois has. Peters should always be looking for Isaiah, not only because he’s the best, but because he seems to get open so easily. I just hope for Williams’ sake that he soon starts getting the receptions and yards he deserves.

Fourth down –> First down

For the third week in a row, Illinois was faced with a late-game fourth-down scenario in the opposition’s territory. The two weeks prior, Bielema punted and handed the ball back to the other team. But not this week.

Bielema elected to go for it on fourth and 3, and Peters scrambled for the first down. Game over. Say what you want about his passing game, but Peters is proven that he’s good on the ground. When the staff utilizes that, Illinois succeeds. 

I also love the aggressiveness. Two weeks in a row, it’s arguable that Bielema cost Illinois the game with conservative play-calling on fourth down, and even though the Illini probably would have won anyway this week, it’s a good improvement. 

Offense: B-

If it wasn’t for Chase Brown, we’re looking at D range. But Chase Brown had a career day and accounted for over half of Illinois’ total yards and scored two of the three touchdowns.

Peters finally had a touchdown pass, but even that was a great catch that was thrown behind Daniel Barker. He didn’t reach 100 yards, finishing with 78. He consistently missed open receivers, but there were also a lot of balls dropped in the first half.

I love this running back group, and the healthy offensive line had a better day. Brown and McCray could be a lethal duo for the next few years, and they’re both so fun to watch. Brown had his best game as an Illini and one of the best rushing games in team history. The passing just isn’t there.

Defense: B

First-half defense wasn’t good. The last drive before the half was disappointing, and even in the second half, the 49ers were able to move the ball at times. But the second half as a whole was great.

Along with Chase Brown, shutting Charlotte out in the second half is the main reason Illinois won. A fumble recovery and an interception both helped out a lot, even though the Illini weren’t able to score off them. But that’s the defense doing its job.

Charlotte is a Group of Five team, which is why I’m looking down on the first-half performance, but shutting any team out for a half is impressive. Ryan Walters is doing great with this defense, and I’m excited to watch them play next week against Wisconsin, which tore up Illinois last season.

Special teams: C

Nothing notable. McCourt was one of two on the day from field goals, making one from 29 and missing from 50.

The best punter in the country only did his job once, and it was solid.

@JPietsch14

[email protected]