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 Some of the questions were answered on
Saturday while others remain and linger. Illinois had very little
trouble with Akron on Saturday, winning 42-3. But this was Akron –
not Ohio State or even Purdue. Win #1 of a needed six to go bowling
in 2019 is a good start, so where do we stand Illini Nation with
these important questions facing Illini football 2019?
Will the Illinois defense be improved?
Last year, Illinois was ranked 128 out of 131 D 1 schools on defense
so there is really no place to go but up. In fact, the new Illinois
football facility has the number 128 clearly displayed in the
defensive meeting room. Coach Lovie Smith realized how important
this improvement is – he named himself defensive coordinator.
Hopefully he can make us think about some of his Chicago Bears
defenses in 2019!
Saturday brought some hope, as the defense created multiple
turnovers early and held Akron to just 3 first half points. But
Akron is a mid-major team that fired their coach after last season
and won’t hold a candle to what Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin
will bring to Memorial Stadium. And Illinois lost two guaranteed
difference makers before the season even began – Bobby Roundtree and
Marquez Beason – and are pretty thin in the secondary. Saturday was
a good start. Illinois fans everywhere are hoping it is just the
beginning.
Will the Illini offense click with new quarterback Brandon
Peters?
One thing Illinois did great in 2018 was run the football, and the
depth chart shows several very good running backs, led by Reggie
Corbin. Unfortunately, it appears RB Mike Epstein’s season is
already over, with a significant knee injury in the season opener.
That kid just cannot catch a break!
On Saturday, Illinois seemed to move the ball without much struggle
and transfer QB Brandon Peters was a big reason why. The junior was
in total control, refusing to attempt risky passes and doing what
was needed to keep drives alive. Peters first game as an Illini will
be one he will remember – 4 touchdowns courtesy of the new QB –
three in the air and one with his feet. Not a bad start to his
career in orange and blue!
Illinois
didn’t punt the ball away until the 10-minute mark of the 2nd
quarter – when is the last time you could say that about an Illinois
football team? And maybe best of all on Saturday: Illinois was able
to play a ton of kids – many who will not see a lot of time this
year but gained needed experience! [to top of second column] |
Are Illini fans buying into the Lovie Smith era as season
four unfolds?
If game one attendance were any indication, the best answer at
this point would be not exactly. As Illinois rolled into the
locker room at halftime with a 28-3 lead, the stadium looked
about half empty. Granted, it was a holiday weekend and
activities throughout central Illinois were all over the place,
but it may take a 3-0 non-conference start for fans to open up
their wallets and purses. No one enjoyed last year’s home game
against Iowa, a 63-0 loss. Check back on September 21, when the
Illini welcome Nebraska to Memorial Stadium. If the stands are
full, coach Smith and his Illini might just be turning this
important corner!
Is Lovie Smith really on the hot-seat?
According to USA Today, only three division 1 coaches are
potentially in more trouble than Lovie Smith. Could this be
true? How about a one-word answer: NO. Barring total disaster
(1-11 or 2-10 season), no way AD Josh Whitman starts over after
season 4. No way. Lovie Smith will be Illinois’ coach in 2020 –
take it to the bank.
Is Illinois going to a bowl game in 2019?
Every bit of my fiber wants to say yes. Frankly, I’m just not at
the point where I can with confidence put that statement on the
page. If Illinois starts 3-0 (and they certainly should), that
makes it so much more likely. But the reality of life in the Big
Ten means multiple games on the schedule seem very unlikely to
produce wins – games at Michigan State and at Iowa, and home
games against Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin. That leaves four
games to find three wins – games at Minnesota (who they beat
soundly in 2018) and at Purdue, and home games against Rutgers
and Northwestern. Can they do it? Let’s hope so!
Up Next: Illinois will travel to New England for a road game at
Connecticut next Saturday at 2:30pm (CBS Sports Network) before
returning to Champaign for back to back home games: vs. Eastern
Michigan on September 14 at 11am (BTN) and vs. Nebraska on
September 21 (game time and TV TBD).
Saturday was a great start, but it was just one game. Here’s to
hoping the 2019 season is one to remember! Go Illini! [By
GREG TAYLOR]
Respond to the writer at
jeffqmay@gmail.com.
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