Patrick Norton

The Fighting Illini have been in the rebuild stage for what feels like an eternity. Their games have been hard to watch with glaring issues on all three phases, but it’s all developmental and while 2017 may not have been the most competitive showing, it takes a few seasons like those to eventually right the ship.

Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 19 existed): 3*

Being a B1G Power 5 school plays a big role in this ranking. With little success in my entire lifetime, it’s difficult to justify anything else. Plain and simple, they just haven’t been good.

Last Year’s Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten):

Still more wins than Kansas.

Projected Returning Starters:

Offense: 8

WR Mikey Dudek (!), QB Cam Thomas, RB Mike Epstein, RG Nick Allegretti, C Doug Kramer, LT Larry Boyd, LG Alex Palczewski TE Louis Dorsey

Quarterback Cam Thomas looks to take a leap in the 2018 season, which hopefully means more opportunities for the young athletic scrambler. He and Chayce Crouch spent a decent portion of the season swapping out in the huddle whether a drive would be more run motivated or focused on the passing game. Lovie and new Offensive Coordinator Rod Smith are going to be forced to rely on Thomas to get it done in the pocket in all situations, run or pass. Transfer AJ Bush is an interesting option to be the gunslinger, but considering he didn’t have the luxury of the spring practices to learn Smith’s playbook and system, this is still Cam Thomas’s job to lose. Smith has the luxury of four returning lineman slated for starting roles in 2018. Epstein has shown flashes of brilliant playmaking and Mikey Dudek is the heart and soul of the offense, if not the entire team.

Defense: 9

DT Tymir Oliver, DT Jamal Milan, DE Bobby Roundtree, WLB Jake Hansen, MLB Del’Shawn Phillips, CB Tony Adams, CB Cameron Watkins, SS Bennett Williams, FS Stanley Green

Lovie Smith’s forte is the defense. He created the Tampa 2 as a coordinator for the Buccaneers in the 90s and created one of the best takeaway defenses of all time with the Chicago Bears as head coach in the last decade. Not only do his defense’s leave a lasting impact in his players, but his players make sure to leave a lasting impact on the opposing team. With approximately nine returning to starting roles this season, hopefully improvements and tweaks have been made and this defense can take the next step. If they can stay disciplined on the field, big things could be in the works.

Specialists: 3

P Blake Hayes, K Chase McLaughlin, LS Sean Mills

The whole gang is here!

Key Losses:

If we’re being honest, Malik Turner is the biggest loss for this Illini team, but as they rebuild, nothing is necessarily a key loss this early in the process. They lose a veteran of the receiving corps, but at this point, it’s nothing that can’t be and won’t be replaced.

Key Newcomer Offense:

He’s not necessarily a newcomer considering he had significant playing time last season, but Cam Thomas’s role has expanded exponentially since last season. Quick feet and the ability to move in the pocket, pair that with some improved arm strength and, while he may not be the prototypical B1G QB, he’s going to have a lot to work with this season. A healthy Dudek and Mike Epstein out of the backfield is going to be fun to watch considering the growth in development we saw with Thomas towards the end of last season.

Key Newcomer Defense:

Ayo Shogbonyo can be an incredible force off the end this season. The redshirt sophomore has his eyes on the starting job and I’d be shocked if he didn’t secure it with ease. A true linebacker, what he lacks in size on the line, he makes up for with versatility and speed. Shogbonyo has a real chance to be the next Dawuane Smoot for this Illini defense.

Breakout Player of the Year: Mikey Dudek

He’s The Guy. Dudek has been around the Illini seemingly forever, but has had trouble staying on the field due to injuries in both knees. Beloved by his teammates and the coaching staff, the wide receiver is the definition of a true warrior. His presence in the locker room has always been felt even when he’s been unable to participate, but this is the year he puts it all together and helps the Illini win a few more ballgames. A new offensive coordinator, a QB on a learning curve and the experience of years in the game and having the time to study it as well. Dudek is going to absolutely shine in 2018.

Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 59 (suck it, Rutgers)

Alcohol Prediction: Miller High Life

It’s not the worst beer out there, but it’s nobody’s preference.

Outlook 2018:

With the defense pretty set and steadily improving, statistic results fall completely on the lap of the offense. With another expected rebuild year, but Lovie Smith finally having a team nearly filled with his recruits, it’s a different vibe in that locker room. They’re not just going through the motions and trying to get to the next season. Now they’re focused on the guys in the room and making an impact. The players love Lovie, so we’ll see if that translates onto the field in B1G action. As an Illinois fan, I’ve grown tired of waiting until next year, but with the excellent recruiting the Illini has done and continues to do, I’m excited for 2019 & 2020, but you have to get through 2018 first.

2018 Record (overall: 5-7) (Big Ten: 3-6)

Illinois has a wonky schedule with potential non-conference victories against Western Illinois and Kent State lined up. Factor in battles against Maryland, Rutgers, and Minnesota and we’ll see what happens with Purdue. Maybe an upset against their state rivals, Northwestern Wildcats. 5-7 is incredibly generous given their results in previous seasons, but I can hope.