Illinois Football: Chayce Crouch Earned the Starting Job

Now it is the morning after a terrible loss to Purdue, I can finally stop to think what happened with this Illinois football team.

Illinois out-gained Purdue in total yards and had fewer turnovers than the Boilermakers. Time of possession was about the same as well.

So, how the heck did we lose the game?

Well, that answer is pretty simple. Illinois was 3-of-11 on third downs and they gave Purdue a free football field and a quarter of penalty yards.

Honestly, I was shocked this game ended up being so close. I also believe the only reason it ended up going to overtime and Illinois didn’t just get pounded in regulation was because of Chayce Crouch.

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I can make the argument that Crouch has officially started a quarterback controversy in Champaign. He played well enough where I think he should, and will, get a chance to start at quarterback this season.

It is sad that Wes Lunt went down with an injury just about half-way through the second quarter. No one wants to see a player get injured, but this did leave the door open for Crouch to emerge.

It seems like every week; Lovie Smith essentially has every position in an open contest. The running back position has changed dramatically as well as the defensive back positions and linebackers.

This makes me think that the quarterback position could be an open position as well, and I think Crouch may have earned himself a start against Rutgers in the next game.

Crouch has a rushing ability that Lunt cannot match. He really sparked this Illini offense yesterday with 17 carries for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns.

I was so impressed with how Crouch could run, although I would like for him to take fewer hits and slide a little more. But, this grit and toughness really put excitement back into the offense.

With that being said, everyone knew he was a solid runner, but what we didn’t know was how the arm would do in live competition.

I said ‘wow’ more in the 14 passes for Crouch than I ever have with Lunt in the time he has been the starter with Illinois.

Crouch was 10-of-14 for 142 yards through the air. He has the ability rollout of the pocket and throw on the run across his body.

I was amazed by Crouch’s accuracy as well. I have heard that he doesn’t have the arm that Lunt has, but in this game, I can make an argument he had a better arm than Lunt.

This game was a learning tool for what not to do on the football field. But, I also think it is going to turn into the start of something special with Crouch.

The future is bright for Crouch and the Illini. I think he should start against Rutgers and if he does, then I think Illinois will win that game.

I still believe in this team and what Lovie is doing. He might have found his starting quarterback the rest of this season and for the next few years in Crouch. We Will Win.