Illinois Football: Key stats addressed in the offseason for the Illini

Let’s just say, the Illinois football team didn’t play well last year and their record showed this fact.

The Illini finished with a 2-10 record in 2017 and are currently on a 10 game losing streak that will surely be snapped the first game of the 2018 campaign. The crazy part about Illinois having two wins last year was their stats matched what their record showed.

Illinois was, in fact, bad last season. They were sub-100 in many different statistical categories. That was last year, though. They are now on to a different season and they have addressed some of these glaring issues. Here are some areas that have been addressed in the offseason.

Statistically, on offense, Illinois was just awful. They averaged scoring 15.4 points per game, which ranked No. 125 in the nation. They threw for 174.8 yards per game, which ranked No. 104 in the nation. They also ran for 105.6 yards per game, which ranked No. 122 in the nation. All three of these key stats were bad. But, there are a few things that will change in 2018 that will make these stats better.

AJ Bush is likely going to be the starting quarterback in 2018. There was some great competition in training camp, and I project Bush as the starter against Kent State. Illinois’ quarterback situation was awful last year as three different passers threw for 2092 yards, 8 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Bush’s stats in 2018 are going to be better than those combined numbers, making this Illinois offense that much more dangerous throwing the ball.

One huge issue last season at quarterback was predictability, though. The Illinois quarterbacks who were behind center didn’t have the ability to run the ball well, most of the time. When they dropped back, defenses could bring the rush and not have to worry about the quarterback scrambling. This happened too frequently. That will change as well.

Bush brings a running ability that we haven’t seen in a while. His ability to run will help the Illinois offense put more points on the board because he can move the ball down the field. His running ability will also give the Illini offense more rushing yards per game, and it will also help open up the passing game. A solid passing game starts with a solid running game. This offense will run like a well-oiled machine.

Another area that Illinois addressed this offseason was the number of times their quarterbacks were sacked in 2017. Illinois averaged giving up 3.4 sacks per game, which ranked No. 125 in the nation. Bush will help bring this number down as he can move out of the pocket and scramble in tight situations. Illinois also improved on the offensive line as well.

The Illini have the same faces returning who should be starting on the offensive line this season. I am excited to see what Alex Palczewski can do in year two. Doug Kramer is a solid center, and Nick Allegretti is the rock that leads this offense. But, the flipping of Kendrick Green from defensive tackle to offensive guard is huge for this offensive line. There were some good reports coming out of training camp about him. He should help boost this offensive line enough to get that sacks number lower in 2018.

On the defensive side of the ball, there were some glaring numbers as well. Illinois allowed 218.5 rushing yards per game last season, which ranked No. 113 in the nation. They were also only sacking the opposing quarterback 1.6 times per game as well. This ranked No. 102 in the nation.

One big upgrade for the Illini to help with both of these stats is the depth they are bringing to the defensive line. I believe the starters at defensive tackle are likely to be Jamal Milan and Tymir Oliver, but having Calvin Avery and Verdis Brown come in as freshmen gives so much more depth to the defensive tackle position. The rush defense should see a massive improvement in 2018.

Illinois had some clear issues last season. These issues were addressed in the offseason, so the Illini should be a better program in 2018. Let’s see what the changes can do to this program moving forward.