Fourth-and-blog

21 days to Camp Rantoul

Posted by: Bob Asmussen

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 9:16 PM

No. 21: Illinois

Why I like the Illini: I've covered the Illinois football team for 14 years and I've never seen a happier, more cohesive group. The players, the coaches, the support personnel all seem to be walking around with smiles on their faces. The guess is that it will carry over into Camp Rantoul and into the season. There are three critical games: the opener against Missouri, the Big Ten opener at Ohio State and the Big Ten home opener against Penn State. If Illinois takes two of the three, it will have a season similar to 2007. The offense is deep and talented, especially at the skill positions. And the defense will have the benefit of an offense that hangs onto the ball more. The nonconference schedule isn't as difficult as the names on the front of the uniforms might suggest. Missouri, Cincinnati and Fresno State are all rebuilding. Arrelious Benn might be the best player in the Big Ten. The receiving corps is the best at Illinois in years.

Why I don't: Special teams have been a problem for Ron Zook's teams and the spring didn't make fans feel any better about it, especially the punting game. The defense lost star players Brit Miller and Vontae Davis, plus underrated Derek Walker and Will Davis. Those guys won't be easy to replace. Juice Williams threw too many interceptions in 2008. If he starts hitting the guys in the wrong jerseys, Illinois has a problem. Will one player emerge as a standout tailback? Maybe the by-committee approach upsets everybody. While the nonconference schedule is decent, the Big Ten schedule is difficult, especially at the start. Opening against Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State means the team has to be ready after an off week.

To see No. 22, click here.

To see No, 23, click here.

To see No. 24, click here.

To see No. 25, click here.

To see No. 26, click here.

To see No. 27, click here.

To see No. 28, click here.

To see No. 29, click here

To see No. 30, click here

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