Surprisingly, since Lovie Smith took over the Illinois football team, the defense hasn’t been good.
When you think Lovie Smith, you think tough defense with legendary linebackers and a great defensive line. Growing up as a Chicago Bears fan, that is all I watched when Lovie was the head coach. That hasn’t translated over to the college ranks, though.
College teams are a lot more different than NFL squads. With NFL teams, players are signed and can make your team better instantly. In college, you have to recruit and find players who can fit your system. Those players then come in and you have to train them and build them up. That takes years. I think this Illini defense is coming into form, though.
One area that has struggled greatly for the Illini is the defensive line. Illinois has been terrible when it comes to rush defense. Last season, they averaged giving up 261.6 yards per game on the ground, which ranked No. 124 in the nation. This season should be different.
I love the depth the Illini have built. They have a nice mix of youth and experience. Illinois also has a graduate transfer defensive end who is coming in and, should, make an impact from day one. This defense line is going to look dangerous in 2019.
Here is the projected Illini defensive line with the addition of Oluwole Betiku Jr.