Fighting Illini: Week One vs. Missouri

Next, the linebacking core. The Fighting Illini lost their All-Big Ten and All-American middle linebacker, J Leman. They replace him with Brit Miller who is a much faster and aggressive in my opinion. Linning up besides him are Martez Wilson, a freak of nature and Rodney Pitman. The Tigers' are lead by Sean Weatherspoon and Brock Christopher at the line-backing position, the pair match up with just about anyone in the Big 12 as well as most teams in the country. The edge goes to Missouri.

Finally, the secondary. The Illini are lead by Pre-Season All-American corner back, Vontae Davis who looks to have another huge season. The biggest issue will be with the safties, the Illini lost starters Justin Harrison and Kevin Mitchell. They will be replaced by young safties, Donsay Hardamen and Travon Bellamy. The Tigers secondary is very similar. They are anchored by All-American free safety William Moore, who missed all of spring drills recovering from shoulder surgery, but he’s expected to be healthy and back to his play making self in the fall. They are returning four starters as well which gives Missouri the advantage in the secondary.

Keys on Special Teams:

Both teams have very talented special teams especially their return men.Missouri's Jeremy Maclin and the Illini's Arrelious Benn are going to be exciting to watch both returning and receiving the ball on offense. These two guys could very well determine the outcome of this match up. There is still much debate about who will eventually become the Illini kicker, however, it seems as though highly touted prospect, Derek Dimke, will take over the reigns. He set a state playoff record last year with a 54-yard field goal. Experience for Missouri at the kicking position is a strength. Senior Jeff Wolfert is back after a good season, 21 out of 25 field goals made, with a total of 130 points. 

The edge goes to Missouri.

Overall:

The Illini's defensive line will put too much pressure on Chase Daniel. The Tigers' offensive line is too young to be able to shut down lineman such as Will Davis and David Lindquist. The Tigers secondary will play a huge role in whether or not Juice can effectively pass the ball and create with the run. In the end, I believe special teams will play a huge role in this game. It will go down as a classic, as both teams are very evenly matched.  Look for the Illini to make up for last years mistake and steal one from the Tigers in St. Louis.

Final Score: 37-31 Illini

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