Illinois Football: Ball State’s projected defensive depth chart
The Illinois football offense should be able to put up some points against a mediocre Ball State defense on Saturday.
Here is the projected depth chart for the matchup.
DE Anthony Winbush
Anthony Winbush is easily the best player on the Ball State defense. He returns as the senior leader on this team, and if they want to win he will have to step up. Last season, he finished with 8.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.
DT Kevin Willis
Defensive tackle Kevin Willis is back for his senior season as well. He started in 11 games last season and managed to put up two sacks and 22 tackles. Up the middle could be a struggle for the Illini running game on Saturday.
DT John Swisher
John Swisher is the other defensive tackle for the Cardinals. He played in seven games last season and managed 12 tackles and .5 sacks.
DE Reggie McGee
Reggie McGee played in five games last season for Ball State. He only accumulated five tackles and one pass deflection.
OLB Brandon Martin
Another new starter this year is likely to be Brandon Martin. He took a redshirt last year and is a redshirt freshman this season. Mike Dudek might have a big game if he goes at this inexperienced outside linebacker.
MLB Jacob White
Last season, Jacob White didn’t make a single start at linebacker but he is projected to be the starting signal caller this year. Illinois should be able to tear up this linebacker core.
OLB Damon Singleton
Damon Singleton has played the last two years for the Cardinals. He is now a senior and is hoping to improve this defense. Last season he had 19 tackles and .5 sacks.
CB Josh Miller
Josh Miller is projected to be a starting cornerback for Ball State this season. He made four starts at the position last season and should be an important piece on Saturday. Miller finished with 48 tackles and an interception in 2016.
FS Brett Anderson
Illinois should be able to attack deep over the middle on Saturday. Ball State is starting true freshman Brett Anderson at free safety. This should bode well for the Illini.
SS Bryce Cosby
Ball State is also starting another true freshman at strong safety. Bryce Cosby gets the nod here. He could have a long day if Chayce Crouch is on his game.
Next: Ball State’s projected offensive depth chart
CB Marc Walton
Marc Walton is an important piece for Ball State on Saturday. He started every game for the Cardinals last season and will likely be covering the best wide receiver for the Illini. It will be a fun matchup to watch him go at, likely, Malik Turner.