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Illinois Football Predictions 2009

Written June 16, 2009 by InfoPlays

Illinois-Football-Predictions-2009 With all the questions on defense, and a daunting schedule ahead, it will be tough to foresee the Illinois Fighting Illini bouncing back this season. They play eight bowl teams from last season, including three that played in BCS games. The good news is that there’s a lot to like about the Illinois offense. Once again, head coach Ron Zook heads into his fifth season armed with athletic recruits. NCAA football odds to win the 2010 BCS National Championship show the Fighting Illini listed at +6500 to win it all.

Offense: Illinois led the Big Ten in rushing in both 2006 and 2007, but they changed up their offense and led the league in passing in 2008. This offense is in position to keep rolling with fourth-year starting quarterback Juice Williams running the show. He has a stable of impressive receivers to throw the ball to, led by All-America candidate Arrelious Benn. Williams will be working with a new coordinator in Mike Shultz after former coordinator Mike Locksley left to become the head coach of New Mexico.

The read-option offense won’t change as this best suits Williams. The big task for Williams, who led the Big Ten in passing and total offense last fall, is to cut down on the interceptions that prevented the Fighting Illini from finishing with a winning record last season. Powerful sophomores Jason Ford and Mikel Leshoure are threatening to overtake returning starter Daniel Dufrene and junior Troy Pollard at running back. This position looks solid, but it won’t be sorted out until fall camp. The offensive line underachieved while battling injuries last fall, but this unit has the talent to be solid.

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Defense: The D-Line has a great combination of youth and experience. Fifth-year tackle Sirod Williams is back, and so is sophomore Corey Liuget and this team should combine to make an inside force. Junior Josh Brent, who missed the spring due to a legal issue, has to return to really make defensive tackle a strength. At end, fourth-year starter Doug Pilcher leads a group that has shown flashes. The secondary also has potential to be solid. Senior cornerback Dere Hicks is a three-year starter. Tavon Wilson learned on the job last year, and fellow sophomore Miami Thomas has the tools to fill in. Thomas missed last season with a knee injury after a promising 2007 campaign.

Senior safety Donsay Hardeman suffered a neck injury that required surgery last season, but he has eight starts under his belt. A lack of linebacker experience is a big worry at Illinois. Martez Wilson finished 14th in the Big Ten in tackles but left people wanting more. He’ll be moved to middle linebacker after playing on the outside last season. The Wilson move, made out of necessity, will be given another look in the fall. His combination of speed and power makes him an intriguing candidate to succeed Brit Miller, who led the Big Ten in tackles in 2008.

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