Big Ten Football - 2021 Illinois Fighting Illini Preview
Our Illinois Fighting Illini preview 2021 observes that in the past five years the best this team had done is a 6-6 mark in 2019. That allowed the team to make their first bowl appearance in five years when they met and lost to California 20-35. In 2020, the Fighting Illini finished last in the Big Ten West with a 2-6 record. Last season, this team finished 13th in offensive points with 20.1 per game and defensive points with 34.9 allowed per game. On offense, their ground game was their strength, as they averaged 196.1 YPG (3rd Big Ten, 35th Nationally). However, their passing game, which averaged 152.9 YPG, was ranked 14th in the Big Ten and 114th in the nation.
Illinois Offense
Eight players return to the offense. Senior QB Brandon Peters, who missed three games at the start of last season due to COVID protocols, gets the call to start. In 2020, he completed just 48.8 percent of his passes, tossing three TDs and no interceptions. Peters also had 24 rushes for 136 yards, averaging 5.7 YPA. Formerly with Michigan, Peters will compete for the starting spot with freshman Isaiah Williams. Running back Chase Brown, who led the team last season with 540 yards and three touchdowns, returns. Transfer Chase Hayden backs up.
WR Brian Hightower had 11 catches with three going for TDs last season. He averaged 19.0 YPC. Look for him to have a breakout season in 2021. Tight end Daniel Barker, who had two touchdowns in 2020, is a true force. Four starters return to the frontline, which is the strength on this side of the ball. Senior center Doug Kramer anchors the group.
Illinois Fighting Illini Preview 2021 - Defense
Along with being unable to stop teams from scoring, Illinois was porous versus the run, allowing 230.1 YPG (14th Big Ten, 116th Nationally). Their total yards allowed came to 467.2 YPG (14th Big Ten, 114th Nationally). New D coordinator Ryan Walters is charged with whipping this group into shape. MLB Jake Hansen is key in this effort. Last season, he led the Fighting Illini in tackles with 63 and TFL with 7.5 while recording 2.5 sacks, two PBU, and two INTs. He has 10 career forced fumbles.
Senior Owen Carney returns at DE and Roderick Perry, another senior, is back at DT. Last season, Carney recorded five sacks and two TFL while Perry posted two sacks. In the secondary, corner Devon Witherspoon looked good, as he started seven games and grabbed two picks. Free safety Tony Adams notched 51 tackles.
Specialists
Our Illinois Fighting Illini preview 2021 notes that Australian punter Blake Hayes returns for his fifth season with the Fighting Illini. Last year, he earned third-team All-Big Ten honors while averaging 43.8 YPP and placing 16-of-42 within the 20. Senior James McCourt, who was 15-of-15 on extra points and 6-of-10 on field goals, is also back. The return game is up for grabs. WR Danny Navarro looks promising on punt bring backs.
Illinois Fighting Illini Preview 2021 - Projection
In order to succeed in 2021, this team has to find its passing game and stop opponent ground attacks. Our Illinois Fighting Illini preview 2021 finds that they will struggle once again. However, a relatively light schedule that includes Maryland, Nebraska, and Perdue, could help Illinois. Still, five wins would be a lot. Four are more likely.
Big Ten Football - Illinois Fighting Illini 2021 - Predictions:
Seventh Place - Big Ten West
No Bowl Berth