2008 Illinois Fighting Illini
Written June 10, 2008 by Jason Lowry
It’s time to take a look at Jason Lowry’s 2008 Illinois Fighting Illini football predictions. The Illini is fresh off a surprise season that landed them in the Rose Bowl, but suffered a huge defeat in the hands of the USC Trojans. The Illini had one of their best seasons in years, as they finished 9-4 overall and 5-2 in the Big 10. Ron Zook is entering his 4th season at Illinois, and it looks like he might have finally got this program headed in the right direction. The loss that might end up being to big a whole to be able to fill will likely be at running back where Rashard Mendenhall left early for the NFL draft. With 13 returning starters, lets take a look at what the Illini will be looking at on both sides of the ball when the season gets underway on August 30th.
Offense:
Even without Mendenhall you would like to think that this offense can still put up some decent numbers, as quarterback Juice Williams is the leader on an offense that brings back 7 players from a year ago. Williams made Ohio State’s defense look silly, and will need that kind of performance every game this season if they want a shot at the Big 10 title. It looks like it will be a running back by committee to start things off, as Daniel Dufrene, Mikel LeShoure, and Troy Pollard will fight to emerge as the starter. At receiver the team looks to make sophomore Arrelious Benn an even bigger part of the offense, and look for converted tight end Jeff Cumberland to make some big strides this year at the receiver spot. Williams better hope that tight end Michael Hoomanawanui comes into the season healthy, as he is a big part of their offense. The offensive line should be pretty solid as it returns 3 starters from an o-line that led Mendenhall and company to the 5th best rushing attack.
Defense:
Even though the defense only brings back 6 players, it might very well be able to improve, as more and more of Zook’s recruits continue to make their way to the field. They already have a great d-line that just might be even be better than it was a year ago. It looks like Doug Pilcher will start at one spot, and senior Will Davis has emerged in the other spot. Defensive tackles Josh Brent and David Lindquist will be solid in the middle, and will have talented freshman Corey Luiger breathing down their necks. At linebacker look for last years most improved player Rodney Pittman and Martez Wilson to hold down the outside backer spots, while returning starter Brit Miller moves into the middle. The secondary is led by possible future first-round pick at corner in Vontae Davis, that is if he gets his act together and gets out of Zook’s doghouse. Junior Dere Hicks look to start at the other corner spot. It will be key for the new safeties to play well, as it look Bo Flowers and Travon Bellamy will fight for the strong safety spot.
Prediction: 4th in Big Ten
Zook really has changed things around here and if they can win at both Michigan and Penn State in back-to-back weeks this team might just be as good as last year’s squad. We aren’t so sure they will be able to and you can pretty much count the game at Wisconsin a loss. They might be able to save the season if they can pull of the task of beating Ohio State again, this time they get them at home.
With it so close to football season it’s never too early to get an account up and going at BetUS.com. Be sure to check back if you are looking for different team previews, as professional handicapper Jason Lowry continues working his way through the best conferences in the country.