This is something I’ll try to do before every game for those of you for whatever reason don’t have the time to read our pregame coverage that week.
To put it simply, Illinois is really young, really injured, and thus really bad. They’re the youngest team in the country -- starting 14 freshman and have had true freshman get hurt that have been replaced by even less prepared true freshman. Illinois starts Jeff George Jr. at quarterback, a pocket passer who’s thrown for three touchdowns and seven interceptions this year. At running back is Ra’Von Bonner, a downhill power runner whose line is made up of four true freshman and a solid right guard in Nick Allegretti. Bonner is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry. Illinois has three talented receivers in Ricky Smalling, Malik Turner, and Mike Dudek.
Under Lovie Smith, Illinois of course plays a Tampa 2 (cover 2) defense with a bend but don’t break style. The defensive line is all underclassman and they’ve generated very little push in Big Ten play. All but one linebacker in the two deeps is listed as questionable and two are almost for sure out, meaning a sophomore walk-on will start for the second straight week. The secondary is more competent, led by tall corner Jaylen Dunlap and Patrick Nelson, a physical safety.
To put it simply, Illinois is really young, really injured, and thus really bad. They’re the youngest team in the country -- starting 14 freshman and have had true freshman get hurt that have been replaced by even less prepared true freshman. Illinois starts Jeff George Jr. at quarterback, a pocket passer who’s thrown for three touchdowns and seven interceptions this year. At running back is Ra’Von Bonner, a downhill power runner whose line is made up of four true freshman and a solid right guard in Nick Allegretti. Bonner is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry. Illinois has three talented receivers in Ricky Smalling, Malik Turner, and Mike Dudek.
Under Lovie Smith, Illinois of course plays a Tampa 2 (cover 2) defense with a bend but don’t break style. The defensive line is all underclassman and they’ve generated very little push in Big Ten play. All but one linebacker in the two deeps is listed as questionable and two are almost for sure out, meaning a sophomore walk-on will start for the second straight week. The secondary is more competent, led by tall corner Jaylen Dunlap and Patrick Nelson, a physical safety.
