Big 10 Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini
August 8th, 2008 by Louis Papa
This is going to be hilarious to watch Michigan Wolverine fans clamor for Ron Zook’s recruiting class by year end. Three spread-option teams in the Big 10 (when you include Northwestern) and the Zook-lead Illini should be a top challenger to Ohio State’s dominance atop the conference. Remember, Illinois went into Columbus and shocked the Buckeyes while Michigan had yet another home loss to Tressel’s boys. The Illini return 12 starters from last year’s Rose Bowl squad which was humiliated by USC.
Where to begin? From a drafting perspective as well as from the fan-base it has to begin and end with Juice Williams, right? Yes sir it does…..he is EVERYTHING you want a fantasy QB to be. He throws enough to score points for your team through the air, but gives you an above average dual threat with his legs. Let me illustrate for you:
Passing: 153/267 for 1,743 yards with 13 TDs against 12 interceptions.
Rushing: 165 carries for 755 yards for an additional 7 scores
Total: 2,498 combined yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns.
Should be a middle round selection for you, is a must own on all teams as he has improved each year under Zook and the coaching staff. He is my 3rd choice behind Boeckman and CJ Bacher (Northwestern) at the QB position in Big 10 play.
The toughest loss for this team is Rashard Mendenhall (NFL, Steelers) and his production will be impossible to replace. 262 carries, 1,687 yards and 17 TDs is quite a bit of ground to cover, but the Illini must try. My best guess (after Juice Williams) is that Daniel Dufrene will try to impersonate and will come up a bit short. 47 carries, 294 yards and 2 scores last year. Use him as a late round selection as an injury replacement if you are weak at the RB position. As you know, starters are always welcome in fantasy.
The player with huge upside potential is Arrelious Benn who is HEALTHY after shoulder surgery. If Juice can continue to improve in the passing game, watch out. Last year (with the injury) Benn hauled in 54 balls for 676 yards and 2 scores. I believe those numbers could reach 75 receptions for 900 yards and 6-7 touchdowns at a minimum.
In the kicking department there is nothing to talk about here after 4 year STUD, Jason Reda graduated last season. The Illini will miss him. 15/16 (fg/fga) while going 8/9 from beyond 40 yards.
The D could be the Achilles heel of this chic #2 pick in the Big Ten according to many prognosticators. They struggle against versatile offenses….see last year’s Rose Bowl game vs USC.
I will take the Illini 4th, behind OSU, PSU and Wisc. Outback or Capital One berth more likely this year. The loss of Mendenhall is too much to overcome.
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