Illinois Fighting Illini
Big Ten Conference
Illinois had an outstanding start to their year, winning six straight games out of the gate. However, after a victory over Indiana, things went downhill for them. That win took place on October 8th and Illinois has not tasted victory since. That miserable six game skid cost Ron Zook his job. Illinois is now looking to heal, and winning their last game of the year, in a bowl game, is a great place to start.
2011 Record: 6-6 Overall, 2-6 Big Ten
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Texas Bowl VS Baylor (W 38-14)
Big Wins: 9/17 at Arizona State (17-14), 10/1 VS Northwestern (38-35)
Bad Losses: 10/22 at Purdue (14-21), 11/26 at Minnesota (7-27)
Coach: Vic Koenning (interim) (0-0 at Illinois, 0-0 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Illinois, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Paul Petrino
Defensive Coordinator: Vic Koenning
Strengths:
When Illinois was off to their red hot start they were firing on all cylinders. Their offense was clicking and their defense was dominate. However as the year moved on, only the defense held up. Unfortunately for Illinois, the great defensive effort has not been enough to earn them a win down the stretch. This unit was very disruptive, particularly in the passing game. Their pass defense ranked fourth in the nation and second in the Big Ten, giving up just 156.08 yards per game. Additionally the Fighting Illini generated a ton of pressure throughout the year, as they led the Big Ten in tackles for a loss and were second in sacks per game. Their run defense was not easy to penetrate either, allowing just 132.67 yards per game on the ground. In total defense, teams averaged less than 300 yards per contest and they ranked third in the Big Ten. This defense is certainly not a unit to take lightly, as they have been challenged all year and have stepped up to that challenge. The defense gives up 20.08 points per game, which was fifth in the Big Ten and 21st in the nation. The defense clearly is what makes the Fighting Illini dangerous and will challenge opponents on every snap. The points per game would likely be even less had the offense not turned the ball over so often, and their special teams units let them down. When you play Illinois do not expect to be able to move up and down the field at will and prepare for a dog fight.
Weaknesses:
The Fighting Illinois offense struggled throughout the year, particularly down the stretch. Their rushing offense ranks 43 in the nation and seventh in the Big Ten, averaging 171.17 yards per game. Their passing attack is even worse, gaining just 187 yards per game, which is eighth in the Big Ten and 91st in the nation. Their scoring offense leaves the greatest cause for concern, as they score just 22.83 points per game, which is 92nd in the nation and 9th in Big Ten play. To make matters worse, they turn the ball over a lot, having a negative turnover margin, which was 11th in the Big Ten. On top of turning the ball over often, Illinois had the worst kick return unit in the Big Ten, forcing them to drive the length of the field, something they are unable to do. Their punt return unit is just as bad, again ranking dead last in the Big Ten. Illinois needs a spark to help their offense and special teams is a great way to do that, so expect interim coach Vic Koenning to make some changes to the special teams units during the bowl break. Their punt coverage team has also struggled this year, ranking 97th in the nation and 10th in the Big Ten. When you look at the turnovers, combined with poor special team play and an inability to move the ball, you realize why they have lost six straight contests and Ron Zook no longer has a job.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Jason Ford, RB, 600 yards
Passing: Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, 1,971 yards
Receiving: A.J. Jenkins, WR, 1,196 yards
Tackles: Jonathan Brown, LB, 102
Sacks: Whitney Mercilus, DE, 14.5
Interceptions: Trulon Henry, S, 2; Terry Hawthorne, CB, 2
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 171.17 (43rd in Nation, 7th in Conference)
Passing Offense: 187.00 (91, 8)
Total Offense: 358.17 (86, 9)
Scoring Offense: 22.83 (92, 9)
Rushing Defense: 132.67 (42, 3)
Pass Defense: 159.08 (4, 2)
Total Defense: 291.75 (8, 3)
Scoring Defense: 20.08 (21, 5)
Turnover Margin: -.58 (101, 11)
Sacks: 3.00 (10, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.92 (108, 11)
