2013 Outlook - Illinois

The Illini are another team in transition, as they will take the field under the tutelage of first year HC Tim Beckman.  Last year's squad went 7-6, primarily on the backs of their defense.  If this year's team in going to succeed, again it will be the defense that will be relied upon the most.

JR QB Nathan Scheelhaase will be under center again.  He is a good athlete, but I am not sold on him being much of a QB.  Former OC, Paul Petrino compared Scheelhaase to former Louisville signal caller Stefan LeFors, but I don't see it.  I think LeFors is a much smarter QB than Scheelhaase.  We will see if he develops this year into something more than an also ran.  Both the running back and receiving units are going to be manned bu some young guys still trying to establish themselves.  Without a great QB, I see this being a challenge.  Up front, the team is luck to have a leader at C like SR Graham Pocic.  His leadership will be welcome by the otherwise young offense.

Again, the Illini will need for their defense to step up and lead them to some victories this year.  On the defensive front, they start two very good playmakers, with a lot of potential.  SR DE Michael Buchanan is getting a lot of hype right now, as he should, as one of the best pure pass rushers in the nation. If he can turn out numbers similar to that of former teammate Whitney Mercilus, the unit will get after opposing QBs.  JR DT Akeem Spence is another contributor who is flying a bit under the radar right now.  If he steps up his play, this could be a very good front.  JR LB Jonathan Brown will also get a lot of attention in 2013.  He is a very talented ball player.  He is fast, strong, and plays the position well.  SR CB Terry Hawthorne will be asked to lead the secondary and to finally fulfill the immense potential we heard he had back in 2009 as a true FR.

Illinois should win some games in 2013, but I don't see them challenging for a top position in the Big 10 yet.  Much will depend on the development of their QB, and the rest will lay on the shoulders of a apt defense.