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Updated: August 18, 5:46 PM ET Hot start may be key for Illini By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
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Illinois Fighting Illini
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Coach: Ron Turner (31-38, 7th season) 2002 overall record: 5-7 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 6 Defense: 7 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Antoineo Harris (1,330 yds) Passing: Jon Beutjer* (2,511 yds) Receiving: Brandon Lloyd (1,010 yds) Tackles: Jerry Schumacher (122) Sacks: Jerry Schumacher and Derrick Strong* (5 each) Interceptions: Michael Hall (2) Outlook: This season has similarities to 1999, when Illinois had an experienced quarterback, a green receiver corps and a defense that could go either way. In '99, the young receivers stepped up, the defense made some stops and the Illini landed in a bowl game. Jon Beutjer, who came on at quarterback as Illinois won four of its last six last season, has the arm to make coach Ron Turner's potent passing game work. Solid running back Antoineo Harris is gone, but returnee Morris Virgil and newcomer Ibrahim Halsey both have breakaway potential. Defensively, the Illini have good depth in their front seven, and Turner and defensive coordinator Mike Cassity are stressing using athleticism, rather than making things tricky, to stop people. With five players taken in the NFL draft last spring, the Illini are stressing a team approach rather than the star stuff that is being blamed partly for their 2002 falloff. Keep an eye on: Defensive end Derrick Strong. He has the talent to be a force on the line, and that would take some heat off a retooling secondary and linebacker corps. That's especially true with new middle linebacker Matt Sinclair coming off a summer illness that could slow him early. Key game: The opener against Missouri could set the tone. It did last year, when Illinois looked flatfooted against the Tigers and stumbled to a 1-5 start. The Illini, who are reasonably talented but inexperienced in many important places, need a confidence-builder right out of the gate. It's a good year if. . .: Illinois, which went to the Micronpc.com Bowl in 1999 and the Sugar Bowl in 2001, keeps its odd-year bowl trip trend going. The Illini have a lot of question marks, but they also have the ingredients to play a holiday game. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.
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