Big Ten Team Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini

After surpassing their entire win total from the past three years combined last fall while pulling in nine wins themselves, the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois found themselves in their second ever BCS game. 

Granted the USC Trojans proved the Illini still have a ways to go before they are considered a legitimate national title contender, but steps have obviously been taken in the right direction under now fourth-year head coach Ron Zook.

Under continuous successful recruiting classes the Illini have placed themselves in the top half of the Big Ten for years to come.  After defeating Ohio State in the Horseshoe last season Illini fans feel this may be their year to capture their first Big Ten crown since 2001. 

Juice Williams took many steps in the right direction last year as he was much of the reason for Illini success.  This year he will be without first round NFL draft pick Rashard Mendenhall as he is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Without the great known running back will Juice be more zeroed in?  The good news for Williams and the Illini faithful is that Daniel Dufrene will step in to replace Mendenhall.  In limited time he saw he had 47 carries and racked up 294 yards total on the year.

Will he be Mendenhall at the end of the year?  Doubtful but not many are that good.  He will however lessen the early departure.

Arreilous Benn is a simply a freak.  Lighting quick and elusive, the Big Ten had troubles with him as a freshman.  Barring a Sophomore Slump, expect Juice's favorite target to only get better.

Not much publicity has been made about the fact the Illini lost three starters from their offensive line.  This is where the biggest loss on the team comes into play, depending how quickly this line develops together will decide just how far this Illinois team will go.

The Illini defense promises to be amongst the best in the Midwest.  Will Davis put up nearly a sack a game last year for the Illini and is the biggest threat in their pass rush.  Others on the D-Line are solid but Davis is the star of the front four.

J Leman is gone after being a part of the Illini linebacker core for seemingly ever.  Inexperience may show its head here, which raises a bit of a red flag. 

Will the Illini be able to handle the opponents running game?  Time will tell.

The defensive backs on the Illini are amongst the best in the Big Ten.  Led by Vontae Davis who may be a top 10 pick in next years NFL Draft, the corners are solid with the other being held by Dere Hicks.  Former Detroit Tiger Bo Flowers and Nate Bussey head the safety positions after both starters from a year ago are lost to graduation.

Prognosis:

Don't expect the Illini to be a true National Championship contender just yet.  With an inexperience offensive line I have real doubts they will get by Mizzou in week one.  Couple that with road games in Happy Valley, The Big House, and Camp Randall and there may be troubles. 

Don't forget about the Senior Day battle against Ohio State either, who will come to Champaign with revenge from last year on their minds.

Ron Zook has turned this program from being amongst the perennial worst in the Big Ten to a legit contender.  However, the six-year drought of a conference championship does not end this year and two consecutive BCS games will feel like a long lost dream at the end of November.

Illini are headed for an 8-4 Regular Season record with a date in the Capital One Bowl.