2006 Illinois football preview

Head Coach: Ron Zook
2005 Record: 0-8, 2-9

Players Drafted: None Drafted

Key Players Returning:
RB Pierre Thomas
QB Tim Brasic
WR Kyle Hudson
SS Kevin Mitchell
DT Chris Norwell
LT Akim Millington
CB Alan Ball

Top Recruits:
Isiah Williams QB 6'2" 197 Chicago, IL
Jeff Cumberland TE 6'4" 215 Columbus, OH
Chris James WR 5'11" 173 Chicago, IL

Illinois Offensive Outlook

The Illini have 10 offensive starters returning after their offense averaged just 17.0 points per game in 2005. Tim Brasic passed for nearly 2,000 yards last season, but threw 11 TD and 11 INT. Pierre Thomas returns as the 2005 leading rusher, and Kyle Hudson led the team last year in receiving yards. With Ron Zook settling in and turning the program into his style of team, look for the Illini to show more consistency on the offensive side of the ball. With a veteran QB running the show and being more comfortable with the system, expect the Illini to control the ball and sustain drives better this season.

Illinois Defensive Outlook

On the defensive side of the ball the Illini have 10 starters returning and defensive coordinator Mike Mallory has been replaced by Vince Okruch. SS Kevin Mitchell led the team with 78 tackles in 2005, but when your strong safety leads the team in tackles it’s not a good sign. Chris Norwell had 3 sacks last year as a sophomore and is a young anchor for the defensive line. The offense should help the defense out by giving them more rest in between each series, and the defense should have better field position to work with because of the offense. All of these factors will help the Illini defense be a more productive unit in 2006.

Special Teams: Jason Reda connected on just 13 of 20 field goals in 2005. Look for incoming freshman Kyle Yelton to win the punting duties.

2006 Keys to Success: Brasic was sacked 32 times last season, and the offense was the only Big Ten team to average less than 20 points per game (17 ppg). It is imperative that the Illinois offensive line performs better in 2006 if the Illini hope to drive the ball with any consistency.

In similar fashion, the Illini allowed opposing offenses to score at least 33 points in every game last season. They will need more production out of their linebackers who combined for just one sack last year.

2006 Prediction: The Fighting Illini will be a more competitive team this year because they have so many players returning with experience. Although, I don’t expect to see more than five wins for Illinois in 2006.

> Back to the 2006 Big Ten football previews