Illinois Football: 5 ways the Illini will improve under Rod Smith

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen in the tailgating area before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

The Illinois football team wasn’t good in 2017 as they finished the year with two total wins.

This past year was disappointing if you are an Illini fan. I had higher expectations than just two wins. They weren’t far off from having more victories, but their offense was one of the reasons why they fell so short last season.

Lovie Smith identified the weakness on the team and made a big change to the coaching staff. He let offensive coordinator Garrick McGee go. This was a necessary move if the Illini wanted to get their offense off the ground.

Illinois had one of the worst offenses in the nation in 2017 in just about every statistical category. They were terrible at scoring the ball. They couldn’t run the ball. Their passing game was awful. And they continued to fail to help their defense.

The big change that was made was corrected with Arizona offensive coordinator Rod Smith. Smith brings in a high-powered offense that Illinois fans should be excited about. He has developed quarterbacks throughout the years, and his running games have been tremendous. He is bringing this great offense to Champaign.

Here are five ways the Illini will improve under Rod Smith.

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