Illinois Football: Defensive expectations for the Illini against Akron

To a lesser extent than the offense, the Illinois football defense has some new players in starting roles in 2019.

As a defense, do I think we are better this season than last? The answer is yes. I think if we brought back the same crew we would still be better too. Overall, I think we made improvements at some key spots on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s start with the defensive line and the expectations I have for them today.

I want the starters to wreak havoc on the Akron offense. The middle of the Illinois defensive line has improved from last season despite not having anyone new. I am expecting Calvin Avery to start making a name for himself at the college level. I want to see the experience with Jamal Milan and Tymir Oliver coming through too. The defensive tackle position is stout. I am also curious to see how much Jamal Woods is used. I think he is going to do some damage.

The defensive ends are going to be interesting to see play against Akron. The expectations I have for them is to put pressure on the quarterback and keep contain. There are going to be read-pass options in this game. The defensive ends can’t bite on those plays. They have to stay disciplined. I also want to see a big lead by halftime so we can see some young guys in there. It would be nice to get Moses Okpala, Keith Randolph and Seth Coleman all playing time in this game. That is a goal I have for the Illini.

I want the linebacker corps to solidify a solid three. I want to see the group of Jake Hansen, Dele Harding and Milo Eifler gel on the field and work well together. I think they have a chance to be the beginning of something special for the Illinois football team. They could be the start of Linebacker U.

The linebacker corps is more than just those three, though. I have expectations of seeing solid playing time from Shammond Cooper and Khalan Tolson today. My goal for them is to have solid games and not look lost on the football field. They are both fairly new to the program, so let’s see them get the playbook down and be able to read the offense.

Illinois’ secondary is what I am worried the most about on the defense this season. With Marquez Beason going down with an injury and Sydney Brown out at least this game, most likely, Illinois could struggle to stop the pass.

I want to see the Illini secondary hold Akron to no big plays. I don’t want to see pass or running plays over 20 yards today. That is a goal I think we can complete. We have talent at the starting positions, but the backups are what worries me. Let’s play well in the first half so we can get the guys behind the Illini starters more playing time. This will help the program down the road.