Fighting Illini: Week One vs. Missouri

The Fighting Illini are coming off their first winning season since 2001. Those down in Champaign-Urbana were amazed about how well the campaign went last year. They showed many vast improvements in offense as well as defense. As great as they played last year, it will be tough to repeat but very possible with this talented squad. Here is a look ahead at the 2008 Fighting Illini week by week. The first week of the College Football season is almost underway and this Saturday night game will be dandy.

Week 1: Illinois vs. Missouri (in St. Louis-Arch Rivalry)-7:30 PM ESPN

Keys on Offense:

Juice Williams and Chase Daniel, two of the best quarterbacks at throwing on the run will go at it on a nuetral field, Edwards Jones Dome. Chase Daniel is following up a huge Junior year in which he threw 33 touchdowns, with only 11 interceptions. Those stats lead to him becoming the Big 12 offensive player of the year.  The young offensive line will hurt Daniel, especially missing his All-Big 12 center. All in all, Daniel will be able to overcome those line issues. These stats aren't very similar to Juice Williams who took a huge step last year in completion percentage. Williams ended the year with 13 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions. 

The QB edge goes to the Missouri Tigers.

Running back wise, it could very well be a toss up. The lack of a "proven" running back will hurt Illinois with the loss of Mendenhall but Troy Pollard and Daniel Dufrene will be able to overcome most of those questions. Juice at the option helps imensley, and will take a lot of pressure off of those backs. Just as Illinois misses Mendenhall, Missouri misses Temple. The leading rusher back this season for the Tigers is a wide- receiver.

Illinois gets the edge in this category. 

Finally, the receiving category. The Illini are full with young recievers with a lot of talent. Probably the most talented reciever in the nation is Sophomore, Arrelious Benn. Also, lining up beside him are Chris James, who was hurt all of last year and Chris Duvalt. The Tigers are loaded with recievers such as Benn's equal counterpart, Jeremy Maclin. Still the reason Missouri was able to hurt the Illini defense was with their dual-tight-end threat. The only returning TE from that combo is Chase Coffman. Yet, Chase Daniel can make any average receiver in this offense instantly good.

Overall, the edge goes to the Fighting Illini

Keys on Defense:

First off, the defensive line. The Fighting Illini come into this game with the possibly the best defensive line in the country. Lead by ferocious lineman, Will Davis and David Lindquist. The Tigers' defensive line is returning three starters who are improving. MU D-line coach Craig Kuligowski, is possibly one of the best in the country at developing good lineman so watch out.

The edge in this category goes to the Illini.

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