Illinois' offensive assistant coaches were available after Tuesday's practice, as preparations continued for the No. 22 Illini ahead of Saturday's game against No. 24 Michigan. Here's some of what was said, courtesy beat writer Scott Richey:
Staying ready
Luke Altmyer targeted eight of his teammates -- wide receivers, tight ends and running backs combined -- in the passing game Saturday against Purdue. All eight caught at least one pass, but Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin remain Altmyer's top targets. The Illinois quarterback attempted 34 passes against the Boilermakers, and 15 of them (44 percent) were to Bryant and Franklin. Other receivers have to stay patient, but also stay ready.
"You can't get frustrated," Illinois wide receivers coach Justin Stepp said. "You've just got to continue to show up and work. ... Somehow the ball has a way of finding you and getting you opporuntities. You've just got to keep showing up every day and working with a really good attitude. You never know throughout the course of a game when a guy may need a break, and all of a sudden you're in there and it's your chance to go make a play. You've got to be ready to go make it."
XXXXX
Illinois made a change with its offensive line during its bye week, which led to Brandon Henderson starting at right guard against Purdue instead of Zy Crisler. Henderson was a bit up and down production wise in his first career start, and Crisler still got his share of snaps. Made the most of them, too, which is something the senior offensive lineman has done this season when he's been in a rotation at that right guard spot.
"When he has played some of his best it's been situations like that," Illinois offensive line coach Bart Miller said. "There's a competition a little bit to it. He plays angry. He plays with a motivation to him that's really impressive. ... Zy's a tremendous competitor, a really smart player and experienced player. He cares so deeply about this team and about wanting to be good. He works. His work ethic is awesome. When he's struggled with some consistency, that's obviously been frustrating for him, for me, for everybody involved because it doesn't come from a lack of effort."
No one-man band
Kaden Feagin had a Monday doctor's appointment, via Zoom, as Illinois continues to consult with medical professionals across the country on the left leg injury the sophomore running back suffered last week in practice. Illinois coach Bret Bielema said Feagin would be "out for a little bit." There's no clear timetable on a possible return. But the Illini still have options at running back in Josh McCray, Aidan Laughery and Ca'Lil Valentine. It continues to fall on running backs coach Thad Ward to manage who plays when and for how long.
"Sometimes, if you can imagine, it's like a four-man band," Ward said. "I would say Josh played the saxophone (against Purdue), and he actually got a solo. He got a chance to play his instrument a little longer than others, and he made the best out of it. Every now and then, other guys may get a little more shine. It's kind of like a 'hot hand' thing. Each one of them will play. ... I expect to see all of them play (against Michigan)."