No. 5 – Illinois Fighting Illini 1-1 (0-0)
There is a new feel around the program with Lovie Smith as the head coach. The Illinois Fighting Illini started out the Smith era on the right foot with a dominating 52-3 win over Murray State. A win over Murray State might not say much when it comes to the box score, but the vibe around the team following the game is different with Smith.
People actually gave them a chance against a very good North Carolina team. The Illini fell to the Tar Heels 48-23, but they played a very talented team tough. Illinois only trailed the Tar Heels 17-14 late in the second quarter and by single-digits at the half. Of course Smith and Illinois wanted to come out with a win, but they should feel very pleased with the direction their program is going in.
The loss to North Carolina should be taken with a grain of salt considering the talent difference between the two teams. That being said, if the Illini recruit well over the next couple of years then they have a chance to rebuild quickly under Lovie Smith and contend in the Big Ten within five years.
Their defense forced a safety against North Carolina and Wes Lunt has been solid over the first two games.
This year, Lunt is proving to be enough to lead them offensively. He has completed 57.1 percent of his passes and also has five touchdowns and no turnovers. Not to mention that running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn has averaged 5.2 yards per carry on the ground. Lunt struggled at times against North Carolina but Vaughn averaged an amazing 7.7 yards per carry.
The Illini have a chance to make a bowl game this year. With their tough schedule they may finish 5-7, again. Even if that happens, the Smith should love what he’s seeing from his team. They don’t have the talent to match the top teams in the nation, however they have an explosive offense and will hopefully have a solid defense to match it. If their defense steps up then Illinois has a chance to pull an upset in conference play.
Next: No. 4