2010 Illinois College Football Predictions

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Former Illini QB Juice Williams had been a common factor in their offensive scheme for the past three seasons. His inconsistent play caused other quarterbacks to get a chance at playing time in 2009 even though Williams left a the school's all time leader in total offense. Red shirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase was impressive in spring practice and has gained the upper hand replacing Williams. QB Jacob Charest will most likely be the back up in case the young Scheelhaase struggles. The Illini will have to run the ball successfully if they are going to score enough points to win. Mikel Leshoure rushed for 734 yards as a sophomore and will team with physical back Jason Ford to give new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino plenty of options at the RB position. Former QB Eddie McGee was moved to WR in spring practice after never really getting a chance to showcase his skills under center. The versatile senior will try to fill the void left by Arrellious Benn as one of the main contributors for the Illini offense. There is enough athleticism on this side of the ball, but having it all gel together is something Illinois continues to struggle with.

The Illinois defense could not stop anyone in 2009 allowing an average of 30 ppg. They seemed to get worse as the season progressed by giving up 49 and 53 points to the opposition in the final two games of the season. Seven starters return for a unit that was torched with big plays in the air and on the ground. The front four needs to put more pressure on quarterbacks which will in turn lower the 250 yards per game the secondary allowed last year. This group managed only 19 sacks as a team in 09' after recording 32 the prior season. Turning their opponent over in general has been a work in progress. Since the 03' season, Illinois has been on the minus side of turnover differential. This makes it hard to win in the Big Ten where many of the games come down to the wire. Improvement is almost guaranteed with new defense coordinator Vic Koenning along with the fact that not improving spells the end to the Zook era at Illinois.

Scheduling wise, Illinois is getting a pretty fair shake from both their AD and Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney. Their annual game with Missouri gives them an opportunity to defeat the Tigers for the first time in six tries. It will be their last chance to do so as the contract expires after this season. They will play five of their nine conference games at home and do not have to face two of the conference favorites Wisconsin and Iowa. It seems feasible that they could return to a bowl game for the first time since 2007. I don't see it, however, predicting a 4-8 season that sends Zook packing.

2010 Illinois College Football Predictions

By: Jack Jones

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