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Illinois Football: Western Kentucky’s offensive depth chart

By Rees Woodcock

BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 20: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers mascot Big Red carries a flag during the game against the Memphis Tigers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 20: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers mascot Big Red carries a flag during the game against the Memphis Tigers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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The Illinois football team is taking on a talented Western Kentucky offense on Saturday.

Here is Western Kentucky’s offensive depth chart.

QB: Mike White

Last week against Eastern Kentucky, Mike White didn’t look himself. He only threw for 264 yards and 1 touchdown in the narrow victory. This is a guy who threw for 4363 yards and 37 touchdowns last season. I am thinking the coaching change affected his play slightly.

RB: D’Andre Ferby

The running game wasn’t effective week one for the Hilltoppers either. Their leading running back was their backup who carried the ball 16 times for 61 yards. That is only a 3.8 yards per carry average. Their starter, D’Andre Ferby only had 57 yards on 19 carries. Illinois did pretty well against the run last week so hopefully, they can do something similar against Western Kentucky.

WR: Lucky Jackson

Lucky Jackson was the main wide receiver for the Hilltoppers week one. Illinois has some inexperienced cornerbacks so they need to double team Jackson on Saturday. He finished last week with 5 catches for 144 yards and 1 touchdown.

WR: Xavier Lane

Xavier Lane didn’t have a catch week one. He could be dangerous against the Illini true freshmen. Hopefully, they can draw up some schemes to throw off the offense.

TE: Deon Yelder

The second leading pass catcher against Eastern Kentucky was Deon Yelder. He caught 4 passes for 40 yards. He will be dangerous in the red zone for this Western Kentucky team.

LT: Jimmie Sims

Jimmie Sims is an experienced redshirt senior. He has played in almost every game of his career and made seven starts last season.

LG: Brandon Ray

Brandon Ray is a redshirt senior who has started every game in his career. He is the best offensive linemen the Hilltoppers have. Expect Ferby to try to run off the left side of this offensive line.

C: Dennis Edwards

The center for Western Kentucky is Dennis Edwards. He is a redshirt junior who has started all but two games in his career. He is also on the Rimington Trophy watch list as the best center in the nation.

RG: Miles Pate

The most inexperienced offensive lineman is Miles Pate. He hasn’t started a game but played in 11 last season as a backup. This is where the Illini need to attack.

Next: 3 big performers from Ball State victory

RT: Matt Nord

Redshirt senior Matt Nord played in every game last season as a backup. He will be the starting right tackle for the Hilltoppers. Putting pressure on the right side of the line will be key for the Illini.

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