Illinois running back Robert Holcombe may have set a school record during his team’s 7-0 victory over East Carolina here on Saturday, but it is not the sort of mark that signals a clicking offense. He carried the ball 49 times.
Illinois coaches said they were playing a conservative game to overcome injuries and youth, but even they acknowledge that 2.7 yards per carry won’t earn many first downs.
“We need him to up that by a yard a carry,” offensive coordinator Paul Schudel said.
And backup quarterback Scott Weaver noted that Illinois (2-2 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) will have to run the ball more effectively, “especially when the weather kicks in and it’s windy and cold and it’s harder to throw.” Weaver also said he and starting quarterback Johnny Johnson “need to find something to lead this team and get more out of players than we have.”
The Illinois offense was particularly ineffective on second down Saturday. In 23 plays, the Illini managed a fumble, three incomplete passes, four complete passes for 41 yards and 16 rushes for 10 yards, including the game’s only touchdown.
Next up: “The great news is we’ve got an open date to really work at it,” coach Lou Tepper said.
Illinois is off Saturday, then plays at Indiana on Oct. 7. An open date was unkind to the Illini last season, when they followed one with an ugly 22-16 loss to Purdue.
“I’m going to be in practice all week telling guys, `Don’t let up,’ ” outside linebacker Kevin Hardy said.
Fullback Ty Douthard, out with an ankle injury against East Carolina, should return against Indiana.
