Illinois Football 2014 – Better, Worse or about the Same?

OFFENSE

The offense was the saving grace of the team last year and should carry the squad again this season. Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit ran fantastic offenses at Western Michigan and that was without players on the talent level of transfer QB Wes Lunt and RB Josh Ferguson.

Lunt had the talent to start at Oklahoma State as a true freshman before injuries cost him his spot on the depth chart. He should be able to put up tremendous numbers if the receiving corps lives up to expectations. Ferguson is a wonderfully elusive speed back who is fantastic as a receiver as well.

With this being year two of the Cubit system, I believe the offense will improve, though not as massively as it did between 2012 and 2013.

Illinois RB Josh Ferguson

DEFENSE

The defense pretty much has to improve because it can’t really get any worse. Giving up 35.4 points per game will do that. The secondary was especially green, which is good news because at least they’re more experienced now. Losing LB Jonathan Brown is a big blow, but Mason Monheim should be able to step up and fill that void ably.

One of the main issues was a complete inability to stop the running game or generate pressure on opposing QBs, which JUCO transfer DT Jihad Ward should be able to help with on both fronts. The defense will still be the team’s weakness, but it shouldn’t be as glaring of one as last year.

Illinois 2014 – Better, worse or about the same as last year?

The team will be better. Both units should improve and the schedule is a little more favorable than it has been in a while. Out of conference looks to be an easy 3-1 with an off chance at upsetting Washington in Seattle. The three hardest games on the schedule are all road games, which is a mixed blessing. I wouldn’t expect the Illini to upset Nebraska, Ohio State, or Wisconsin this year so they may as well have home games against the lesser Big Ten squads. There are definitely five wins to be found on that schedule and it being May, I’ll go as bold as 6-6.

Mark Primiano of the Illini blog The Champaign Room provided the information for our Illinois football 2014 spring update.  For more Illinois football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Mark on Twitter @SBN_UGod.