While the 2017 Illini offense struggled to get the ball into the endzone, Chase McLaughlin did his part to put it through the uprights. His ability to make field goals ended up being the difference between victory and overtime in the Illini win over Ball State, and it narrowed the deficit in other games.
His talent and importance to the team in 2017 was plain to see. During that season, McLaughlin led all players in total points scored with 53 — which wasn’t a hard margin with the anemic offense. He was also a perfect 17-17 in PATs and 9-9 in field goals within 40 yards.