(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Looking Back
The 2009 Fighting Illini enter their fifth season under Ron Zook looking to prove that they belong amongst the elite teams in the Big Ten. Since joining Illinois in 2005, Zook as led Illinois to an unremarkable 18–30 record (9–36 if you remove their 2007 Rose Bowl campaign).
The 2007 Illini team looked like it had arrived as a power in the conference behind Juice Williams, Rashard Mendenhall, and Arrelious Benn. Victories over Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin, and a trip to the Rose Bowl made Illinois a trendy, preseason pick in the Big 10 going into 2008.
But 2008 turned out to be major disappointment in Champaign. Mendenhall left early and was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Illinois failed to build on their 2007 success as they struggled with inconsistency and turnovers throughout the 2008 season, ending on a sour note with three straight losses to Western Michigan, Ohio State, and Northwestern.
Illinois’ major weaknesses in 2008 was its defense, which ranked ninth in the Big 10 overall and gave up 18 passing and 16 rushing touchdowns, both ninth in the Big 10 as well. Illinois’ secondary managed only six interceptions. Only Miami (FL) and Fresno State had less amongst FBS teams.
Without Mendenhall, Zook’s offense struggled to find consistency at the running back position. Williams finished the season with 719 rushing yards, more than any of the team’s running backs. Jason Ford served as the short yardage back, scoring eight times and Daniel Dufrene rushed for 663 yards but failed to find the end zone.
The rushing attack fell to fifth in the Big 10 after leading the league the previous two seasons.
Williams led the offense with his arm and legs, throwing for over 3000 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for five more. But Williams’ success was tempered by his inconsistency.
During the final five games of the season, Williams managed just six touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions. Illinois went one and four and failed to qualify for a bowl a year after representing the Big 10 in the Rose Bowl.
2009 Preview: Strengths
On offense, Williams and Benn return to lead the Fighting Illini in what will be the final year of their successful partnership.
During spring practice, backup quarterback Terrance McGee spent time at wide receiver with promising results. McGee’s athleticism on the field with Williams and Benn will add a new dimension to the Illini offense, expected to score early and often.
A more mature Williams and a blossoming Benn give the Illini a lethal combo capable of scoring in a hurry.
Incoming freshman Bud Golden looks to be the breakaway back Illinois lacked last year. Zook also recruited the heir-apparent to Williams in Nathan Scheelhaase, a duel threat quarterback ranked seventh overall amongst duel-threat quarterbacks by Rivals.com.
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