Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: 5 Strengths for the 2016 Season

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; A general view of Memorial Stadium before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; A general view of Memorial Stadium before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) throws a pass before the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) throws a pass before the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Veteran Quarterback

The importance of having a good quarterback in the college game, and really football as a whole, cannot be overstated.

If a football team doesn’t have a reliable, veteran, quarterback then usually the team doesn’t do well.

Illinois is coming into the 2016 season with one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten, Wes Lunt.

More from Writing Illini

Lunt is a senior this season and is ready to lead the team to at least a bowl game and maybe more this year.

Last season, Lunt threw for 2,761 yards and 14 touchdowns while only tossing 6 interceptions.  These are okay numbers and I look for him to improve on them this season.

But, the quarterback position is by far one of the biggest strengths the Illini have heading into the upcoming season.

The production of Lunt should continue to increase this season.  He has the same wide receiver core returning from last season and he has Justin Hardee returning as well.

Having a solid veteran quarterback that knows how to handle the pressure on Saturdays and has a tremendous pocket presence is invaluable.

Lovie Smith is going to do wonders with this kid and the sky is the limit for the Illinois offense.

Next: Strength No. 2

Home/Illinois Football