Illinois Football: 5 Things the Illini Will Need to Win 2011 Big Ten Title

After bringing Illinois back from the dead with its 2007 Rose Bowl birth, Ron Zook and the Illini have failed to live up to expectations. A 5-7 2008 and a 3-9 2009 nearly resulted in the firing of the Illini head coach, only deterred by a 7-6 2010 and, more importantly, the Illini's first bowl win since the 1999 MicronPC Bowl.

With every grain of success comes accompanying expectations, as a .500 record and a minuscule bowl victory will no longer be regarded as a successful season. In order for the Orange and Blue to bring a Big Ten championship to Champaign here's five things they'll need to do.        

5. Fill Defensive Front Seven Holes

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Mike Adams #75 of the Ohio State Buckeyes prepares to block Michael Buchanan #99 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonat

The Fighting Illini's defensive front seven was ravaged by graduation and the NFL draft.

Gone are standouts Corey Liuget and Martez Wilson, in addition to key role players such as Clay Nurse and Nate Bussey. Illinois will need young and unproven players like Jonathon Brown, Akeem Spence, Ian Thomas, and Michael Buchanan all to step up as new leaders on the front seven.

Illinois made steps in the right direction last year defensively and will need major contributions from young players if they are to continue in that direction. 

4. Dependable Offensive Line Play

A veteran offensive line group will return in 2011 for the Illini.

Seniors Jeff Allen and Craig Wilson will man the tackles spots, as juniors Hugh Thornton and Jack Cornell wiill anchor the guards. Junior Graham Pocic will start at center.

The offensive line was a solid group for Illinois in 2010 and will need to be in order to help the growth of quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase and pave the way for running back Jason Ford. 

3. Answer at Running Back

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CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 20: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs against the Northwestern Wildcats closes in during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Northwestern 48-27. (Photo by

The loss of a team's starting running back would be difficult for any program, but for the Illini, the loss of Mikel Leshoure will be especially felt. 

Leshoure, who was drafted 25th overall in the 2011 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, led the Illini rushing with nearly 1,700 yards, while snagging in 17 catches for 196 yards and a team second-best three touchdowns. Leshoure accounted for nearly 40 percent of the Illini's total offense. 

If Illinois is to have any hope of duplicating, or surpassing, its 2010 success, it will need to find a new leading rusher.

While Jason Ford proved to be a solid change of pace back, rushing for 480 yards and seven touchdowns on 99 carries, it has yet to be shown he can be anything more than a rotational player. 

And even if Ford proves to be a serviceable starter, who will back him up? There are no proven backs rushing behind Ford on the 2011 roster.

There are many questions that still need to be answered in the back field.  

2. The Continued Rise of Nathan Scheelhaase

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CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 20: Nathan Scheelhasse #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs against the Northwestern Wildcats during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Northwestern 48-27. (Photo by Jonath

The player who may have to fill the shoes of Mikel Leshoure the most is red-shirt sophomore Nathan Scheelhaase.

As a freshman last season, Scheelhaase was a pleasant surprise for Zook and the Illini, completing nearly 60 percent of his passes for 1,825 yards and 17 touchdowns. 

Scheelhaase's main weapon was his legs, as he cut through opposing defenses while finishing the season as Illinois' second-leading rusher with over 860 yards on 185 carries and five rushing touchdowns.

Due to the loss of Leshoure, Scheelhaase will be called on even more, as both a runner and a passer.

We saw glimpses last season of an improving passer, especially in the bowl win over Baylor, in which Scheelhaase completed his first 13 passes.

Scheelhaase's continuing improvement will be a major storyline all of 2011.  

1.Playmakers at Wide Receiver

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: A.J. Jenkins #8 of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates his touchdown against the University of Missouri Tigers during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, M

If Scheelhasse is to continue his progression as a passer, he will need more consistent weapons at wide receiver. 

Returning from last season is No. 1 receiver A.J Jenkins. Jenkins turned in a solid season, leading the team in receptions (56), yards (746) and touchdowns (seven).

Besides Jenkins the options are thin, with the graduation of last year's number two receiver Jared Fason. 

Look for incoming freshman and 6'3" Kenny Knight to get a chance at making a major difference in the Illini receiving corps.