Iowa Football: An Inside Look At The Illinois Fighting Illini

The Hawkeyes and Illini are both coming into the Homecoming battle in Kinnick Stadium Saturday having lost their last two games. It could be season defining in many respects for many reasons if Illinois is able to pull off the upset.

Illinois comes into the game having not beaten Iowa since 2008 under Ron Zook. The blue & orange haven’t won in Kinnick Stadium since Kirk Ferentz’ first season in 1999.

Current Illinois head coach Lovie Smith was a linebacker coach for the dominant Tampa Bay Bucanners the last time Illinois made the trek to Iowa City and won, but a win on Saturday would be enormous for a team playing a lot of young freshmen.

For the Hawkeyes, losing to Illinois would be ‘most case scenario’ for the start of the October months after the heart- breaker against Penn State, and the flat effort against Michigan State. Iowa still clings to hopes of a potential Big Ten West title, and at the least a good bowl.

Dear Old Gold was able to discuss the state of Fighting Illini football with the Site Expert of Writing Illini Rees Woodcock.

Dear Old Gold: Lovie Smith is undoubtedly having more success on the recruiting trail and on the field than his predecessor (Tim Beckman). How are Illini fans feeling about him? 

Rees: The Illini fan base is anxious to have a winner. When something does go wrong, like a recruit doesn’t commit to the program, some fans start to panic because that happened so much in the past.

Overall, though, the fan base is excited about the potential players Lovie can bring into the program. The class of 2017 had some talented players and as many 4-stars as the previous head coaching regime. The class of 2018 is already going well.

There is still a ways to go but Lovie has already secured a top-level defensive tackle and some great pieces to fill in the holes on the team. I would say the feeling the Illini fans have right now is hope. Hope that the momentum off the field carries onto the field and the Illini have success.

Dear Old Gold: Do you anticipate QB Jeff George Jr taking the QB job and holding on to it, or is it going to be Cam Thomas’ before seasons end?

Rees: Before the season started, I thought a quarterback competition was going to happen. My favorite to take over for Chayce Crouch was Cam Thomas but the coaching staff still seems nervous to throw the true freshmen into the fray. I glad they made the quarterback change, though.

It was needed because Illinois wouldn’t have had a prayer against the Hawkeyes with Crouch. George can at least throw the ball downfield which will give the Illini wide receivers a chance to make plays. If he struggles tremendously in the first half, though, watch for a short leash and Thomas to get into the game. He has more mobility but is less accurate with his passes.

Honestly, I hope George holds onto the job because that means he is playing well. But, I just don’t see it happening. I think George will eventually get benched and Thomas will take the reins for the foreseeable future.

Dear Old Gold:  What is a successful season for Illinois from here on out in your opinion? 

Rees: A successful season, for me, has always been a bowl game and that still stands today. Illinois managed to go 2-2 with nothing from the quarterback position.

The only reason they gave up so many yards and points to both USF and Nebraska is that their offense couldn’t sustain drives and the defense was on the field way too much. Illinois has 63 first downs this season which ranks No. 126 in the nation out of 130 teams.

Illinois now has a quarterback who can get first downs. This will keep the offense on the field longer, the defense off the field, opposing teams won’t score as much and Illinois will win more games. I want to see four more wins and that will be a successful season this year.

Dear Old Gold: Of the many young guys playing, who are standing out? 

Rees: I think the obvious first answer is running back Mike Epstein. He came in with a lot of hype and for a good reason. He was the running back on St. Thomas Aquinas who is a Florida football powerhouse. He came into the Illinois program and hasn’t disappointed. He needs to get more touches, though, and I think that will happen with George – a less mobile quarterback – at the helm.

Another offensive standout who is a true freshman is Ricky Smalling. His stats don’t jump off the page – 6 catches for 117 yards – but when he does touch the ball he is electric. He just hasn’t had the chance to shine without a quarterback. His 76-yard reception was a quick pass to the outside that he took 76-yards by himself.

On defense, the young standouts have been defensive ends Bobby Roundtree and Isaiah Gay. These two were extremely underrated coming out of high school but they have done a great job filling in for three defensive ends who departed for the NFL after last season.

Roundtree is still a little raw but he is a beast to handle. He will cause trouble in the Hawkeyes backfield because of his tremendous size. Gay is also a beast at defensive tackle. He isn’t necessarily physically intimidating but he will sneak up on you and sack the quarterback.

Dear Old Gold: How do you see the game playing out on Saturday? 

Rees: Hold on to your seatbelts, this answer is going to be slightly biased. Illinois was probably going to lose 24-10 with Crouch at quarterback. But, now that George is in there under center, things should change.

Yes, a new quarterback who can throw the ball will affect the game that much. I see Illinois finally utilizing their tremendous wide receiver core. This will be something new Iowa hasn’t seen on film and that will throw their defense off.

I see Illinois winning this game, 28-21.

We thank Rees for his input on Illini Football. You can follow Illini sports at Writing Illini