Where The Illini Have Been: A year after Illinois' return to prominence was largely forgettable for Ron Zook and Co. They were 0-3 vs. ranked teams and lost their last three games, including a road game at Western Michigan in ending up 5-7. Quarterback Juice Williams had a monster year, passing for 3,173 yards and running for 719, but his judgment proved costly as he threw 16 interceptions. Also, the Illini lost two major pieces in their rejuvenation in offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, the man behind their Washington, D.C. recruiting prowess, who took the head coaching job at New Mexico and cornerback Vontae Davis, who left for NFL riches.Where The Illini Are Going: If talent alone were worth wins, Zook would be picked to go to a third straight Rose Bowl. Zook has Williams, wide receiver Arrelious Benn and linebacker Martez Wilson, who are among the best at their position in the conference. But that talent wasn't enough last season as the Illini took a step back -- but that could change.
Offensively, Illinois returns eight starters, including its top seven rushers from '08 and nine of its top 10 pass-catchers. The only foreseeable problem is on the left side of the line, where guard Graham Pocic and tackle Corey Lewis will be new starters. Ordinarily a new left tackle could be problematic, but with a quarterback that rarely stays in the pocket, that may not be as glaring as issue.
The defense has plenty of holes with three new linemen and two new linebackers, but with Wilson and a veteran secondary led by Dere Hicks (43 tackles and five pass break-ups), they should be able to conceal any issues until the new D-linemen get up to speed.
Aside from back-to-back tests in the early and late season, the schedule is manageable. The Illini have to play both Big Ten favorites with a trip to Ohio State and get Penn State at home and then end the season at Cincinnati and a home game vs. Fresno State.
While the Illini surprised many in going from 2-10 in 2006 to the Rose Bowl in '07, experience at the skill positions and a schedule that, outside of a few road bumps is more than navigable, Illinois could be an ever bigger surprise this year.
The Señior Says: 10-2, second in Big Ten.
Original Story:
http://theredshirtseniorcfb.blogspot....
|
August 03, 2009
