CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football wrapped up its 15 spring practices with a two-hour spring game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. No official score was kept as Illinois’ offense took on the Illini defense.
But the passing game showed promise as Luke Altmyer (10-for-14 for 116 yards, 2 TDs) and Donovan Leary (13-for-23 for 207 yards, 2 TDs) had success, and Malik Elzy (six receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD) and Alex Capka-Jones (four receptions, 95 yards) each made big plays. Running back Aidan Laughery also shined, totaling 97 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches, including an 18-yard touchdown reception.
Saturday was a culmination of head coach Bret Bielema‘s fourth spring ball at Illinois entering a critical Year Four as the Illini try to get back to the postseason after missing a bowl bid by one win for the second time in three years.
“I want to take advantage of every opportunity, and I think our guys did that,” Bielema told Illini Inquirer. “…We got better. To get out of it healthy and to get a better understanding of our roster has really helped us.”
Here are Illini Inquirer’s five takeaways and five stars from the Illini spring game.
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