Stud running back Rashard Mendenhall has moved on to the NFL, but Illinois is still loaded for Bear. Of course, to challenge for the Big Ten title, quarterback Juice Williams will have to throw like he did in the upset of Ohio State, and Arrelious Benn should be primed for a huge year. The defense also must continue to improve.
Looking at the schedule, the opener against Missouri will set the tone, but even a loss will not ruin the season. No, the Illini's biggest games will be at Penn State in the conference opener and at Wisconsin in mid-October. If they survive those two, the tilt with Ohio State in the penultimate game of the regular season might decide the Big Ten champ.
That said, I say the Illilni go 9-3 and finish second in the Big Ten. What do you think?
I agree that Illinois will go 9-3 this season. They are still loaded on defense with Brit Miller at middle linebacker and a stacked defensive line. On offense, if they find a satisfactory replacement for Reshard Mendenhall, they should be able to move the ball efficiently. They do play some tough games though. They may lose right off the bat to a very good Missouri team. The Penn State game, as well as Wisconsin in Madison will be tough. The Ohio State game is the toughest on the Big Ten schedule, but I'm giving Illinois a legitimate shot at beating Ohio State again this year in Champaign. The Buckeyes will win the Big Ten, as Illinois will probably have in the area of 2 conference losses, but they will still be set to play in the Capital One or Outback Bowl, and maybe actually have a shot at winning their bowl game this season.