Illinois Football: Confidence is high in the Illini offense for 2018

The vibe of the Illinois football team has clearly changed, and this will help the program win games this season.

This season has a different feel than previous years. In the past few seasons, I was optimistic about what we were going to see on the football field but knew that the team was limited. This ended up showing after a few games each season as Illinois continued missing bowl games.

I have a different mindset heading into the 2018 season. I have the same optimism but this time I firmly believe this team will win early and continue winning throughout the year. I have expectations that are realistic. The possibility of a bowl appearance isn’t too much to ask this season.

The optimistic outlook is derived from the fact Illinois had quarterback competition this training camp and came out with a starting quarterback who clearly has a grasp on the offense. AJ Bush is the starting quarterback heading into the first game against Kent State.

Having Bush behind center gives the Illini fans an experience that we haven’t had in a while. Knowing that we have a quarterback who is not only capable of running the ball but can pass too, is a great feeling. It gives me hope for the future of this program, the coaching staff and recruiting.

Bush will lead the Illinois offense onto the field against Kent State. This just isn’t an ordinary offense, though. I am going into this upcoming season with more confidence in this Illinois offense than I have with any Illini offense in the last five years.

It is still to be determined how good Bush is going to be behind center, but I can honestly say I would put him ahead of any quarterback Lovie Smith has had in Champaign. Wes Lunt is the closest to him and while Lunt’s accuracy is a little better, Bush has more arm strength and he can run the ball. He is a more dynamic player.

Illinois’ running back situation is one of the best I have seen in while too. Let’s not forget how great Mike Epstein was for the first five games in 2017. The kid averaged 6.1 yards per carry and was on pace for 830 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. He was also starting to come into his own as a receiving running back as well. He should be great in 2018.

Epstein also has some quality depth behind him. Reggie Corbin and Ra’Von Bonner are the two main backups to Epstein. They should see plenty of carries in 2018. Having a solid, stable, backfield is something Lovie hasn’t experienced since coming to Illinois.

The offensive line is building as well. Illinois has experience up front mixed in with young and talented players. I am excited to see what Kendrick Green can do now that he is protecting the quarterback rather than tackling him.

And the final piece to the puzzle for the offense is the receiving corps. I include the tight ends with this group as well. Ricky Smalling and Louis Dorsey have potential to be All-Big Ten caliber players in 2018. Mike Dudek is ready for his college swan song as well. He is a huge weapon for the Illini. Let’s also not forget Sam Mays who is back for his senior season ready to show he is a great pass catcher.

For the first time in a while, I feel really confident about the Illinois offense. At every grouping, I feel they can hold their own with a lot of teams. Having a productive offense will go a long way in winning games. This season should be the start of something special.