:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62177331/usa_today_11479834.0.jpg)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Mama, there goes those men?
Illinois elected to receive the opening kickoff against Minnesota, and senior running back Reggie Corbin showed exactly why it was the right call.
On just the second play of the game, Corbin picked up a couple blocks and was able to scamper 72 yards to the endzone. The score put Illinois up 7-0 with over 14 minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Reggie Corbin 72-yd TD pic.twitter.com/mc4iGhCGxM
— IllinoisLoyalty (@IllinoisLoyalty) November 3, 2018
With that run, Corbin is the first Illinois player to top 800 rushing yards in a season since Mikel Leshoure back in 2010.
Minnesota responded with an impressive touchdown drive of their own, averaging over six yards per play.
Dre Brown saw Corbin’s 72-yard run and said, “I’ll match that.”
On the second play of the second series, the running back took the option to the house on almost the same play as his backfield counterpart.
Dre Brown 72-YD TD pic.twitter.com/jKoHzAwTQa
— IllinoisLoyalty (@IllinoisLoyalty) November 3, 2018
Illinois leads 14-7 with just over eight minutes remaining in the first quarter.