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Illinois’ new football coaching staff get a first look at what they have on offense this weekend against Nebraska.
In the last two periods of training, the Illini have failed to gain much ground when it comes to attacking. The quarterback struggles were the biggest issue, but we didn’t manage to build much depth either. The hope is that the new technical staff, led by Bret Bielema, will make a difference.
Here’s what to expect from Illinois’ football offense against Nebraska.
I would say the game against the Cornhuskers last season was one of the Illini’s best offensive games under Lovie Smith. Things seemed to be going well.
The main strength of the Illini this season would be the attack on the march. Illinois amassed 285 yards and 4 touchdowns on 52 carries last season in the win over Nebraska. Everyone who rushed the ball, including punter Blake Hayes, is back with the program. The fact that Illinois had two 100-yard rushers in the game gives me a lot of hope that we can replicate that performance in 2021.
It would be hard not to mention Brandon Peters as well. Last season’s game against Nebraska was one of the few he had the chance to play for the Illini. Peters performed effectively with a 72% completion percentage to go along with his 205 yards and 1 touchdown. The Illinois offensive attack was powerful.
Honestly, there aren’t many weaknesses in the game against Nebraska. I would probably say the wide receiver situation is the current weakness.
Josh Imatorbhebhe led the Illini last season with 71 yards and 1 touchdown, and has since left the program. Losing our top wide receiver hurts, but I also think others are going to step up like Casey Washington and Brian Hightower.
There aren’t a ton of injuries that will impact the Illini for the Nebraska game on Saturday. Jordyn Slaughter is going to be out for a while with a broken foot. Illinois will also be without Marquez Beason for the game. He’s gone from defensive back to wide receiver, but his first away game will be a week or two from Saturday.
Overall, I’m pretty confident in Illinois’ offense heading into week zero. As we finished 2-6 last season, people have to remember we had four different starting quarterbacks thanks to COVID and injury. That shouldn’t be the case this season.
Against Nebraska I have a confidence of 9 out of 10. Illinois has the firepower that comes back to do big damage. I’d be shocked if we didn’t score at least 40 points again.
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