Illinois Fighting Illini
2010 record: 7-6 overall, 4-4 conference
2010 Bowl Game: 38-14 win over Baylor in Texas Bowl
2010 ATS: 9-4
2010 O/U: 8-5
Returning starters: 15 total (8 on offense, 7 on defense)
Over the month of August, our team of writers will be previewing the top teams heading into an exciting 2011 campaign. The college football handicappers at Maddux Sports are also preparing and have season-long packages readily available for clients.
Offense
Sophomore quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase enjoyed a solid first year in Champaign and helped lead the Fighting Illini lead the Big Ten Conference in rushing, which has now happened three of the last five years.
The offense was especially explosive during the second half of the season, averaging 42.1 points and 448.9 total yards over the last seven games. It all added up to breaking school records for total points scored (423) and points per game (32.54).
Scheelhaase is the team’s top returning rusher and head coach Ron Zook hopes things shake out in the backfield before an opening week contest against Arkansas State. Senior Jason Ford was expected to be the starter until off-the-field issues came about.
Watch out for the emergence of running back Donovonn Young over the course of the season, as the No. 5 jersey certainly means something within the program, as its been worn by both Rashard Mendenhall and Mikel Leshoure.
Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino is a wide receivers coach at heart and dramatically improved the group’s performance after just one year on campus. Senior A.J. Jenkins managed to catch 56 passes last year and will be the team’s go-to option through the air.
Three top-flight offensive linemen will allow the program to continue being a dominant force on the ground and will be led by third-year starter Jeff Allen.
Defense
Despite allowing 67 points in a loss to Michigan, the defensive unit made huge strides in 2010 under first-year defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. In the final NCAA statistical rankings from 2009 to 2010, the Fighting Illini jumped 61 spots in turnover margin and 53 in total defense.
The defensive line certainly has some talent, led by sophomore Akeem Spence, who earned freshman All-American honors in 2010. Illinois has developed NFL-type talent in this group the last two years and he’s expected to be the next to join them after gaining two more years of experience.
Senior Ian Thomas is the top returning tackler from a year ago and will take over at middle linebacker after the early departure of Martez Wilson.
A strength for the stop unit is its secondary, bringing back three cornerbacks that have the ability to start. Illinois ranked 61st nationally in pass defense last year and will likely improve upon that mark.
Safety Trulon Henry is a playmaker and is the oldest player on the team, as he led the team with three interceptions last year.
Special Teams
Senior Derek Dimke is as solid as they come and will be looking to improve upon a 2010 season that saw him connect on 24-of-29 field goal attempts. Many conference experts expect him to be the best kicker in the country.
The punting game is a concern and many believe true freshman Justin DuVernois will get the starting nod. He was a top-ranked prospect at national power St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida.
A punt return unit that ranked 117th nationally is a main focus in camp leading up to the season opener. The kick return game didn’t help with field position as well, finishing 101st in 2011.
Against the Spread
Watch for opportunities to play this team as a road underdog, as Illinois is 6-2 ATS in that situation the last two years. The one likely spot that this will occur is Oct. 29 at Penn State.
Bet On
With all the turmoil in Columbus, expect the Fighting Illini to continue giving the Buckeyes fits, as they’ve covered seven of the last 10 meetings. Watch the college football lines page closely for this contest.
Fade Away
Finishing the season as a likely road favorite against Minnesota is likely to be a loss against the spread, failing to cover seven of the last 10 meetings.
