Illinois opened a 8.5 chalk vs Western Michigan. The line has moved to -9.5
Illinois opens up at home facing a tough Broncos team from Western Michigan. A Mac conference team. Illinois has a new Head Coach who also comes from the mac conference (Beckman) he comes from Toledo.
The strength of Illinois is it's defense, the front four of Illinois is as good as any team in the country. They are also solid at the Line backer position. I look for Illinois defense to neutralize the broncos offense most of the game.
On offense Illinois has some weapons and Coach Beckman sees just that, Illinois will operate exclusively with a no huddle offense this year. The HIGH OCTANE spread offense is starting to take shape. The Illini have two really good running backs, Josh Ferguson out of Joliet Catholic and Donovan Young from Texas. Look for the backs to be coming out of the back field catching a swing pass and banging it for yardage.
Special teams last year Illinois was 120th in Nation, tied for dead last in the nation. This has been an area that has been the focus of the team, and I can guarantee you that it will improve from what I see.
Western Michigan is a run and gun team, relying heavily on the offense. Reports I have read coming into this game is that the offense looks a bit sluggish, it is all about timing and it seems off. If that is true do not expect them to find timing against a fast Illinois Defense.
On the defensive side of the ball WM has really been focused on trying to do better, only problem is they are thin on depth. I look for the Illinois offense to be able to move the ball against the broncos d.
Turnovers will be the key to this game, I would sure be interested on what the over/under is on turnovers for this game.
Illinois 28 WM 13
Good luck all.
Carpet
Illinois opens up at home facing a tough Broncos team from Western Michigan. A Mac conference team. Illinois has a new Head Coach who also comes from the mac conference (Beckman) he comes from Toledo.
The strength of Illinois is it's defense, the front four of Illinois is as good as any team in the country. They are also solid at the Line backer position. I look for Illinois defense to neutralize the broncos offense most of the game.
On offense Illinois has some weapons and Coach Beckman sees just that, Illinois will operate exclusively with a no huddle offense this year. The HIGH OCTANE spread offense is starting to take shape. The Illini have two really good running backs, Josh Ferguson out of Joliet Catholic and Donovan Young from Texas. Look for the backs to be coming out of the back field catching a swing pass and banging it for yardage.
Special teams last year Illinois was 120th in Nation, tied for dead last in the nation. This has been an area that has been the focus of the team, and I can guarantee you that it will improve from what I see.
Western Michigan is a run and gun team, relying heavily on the offense. Reports I have read coming into this game is that the offense looks a bit sluggish, it is all about timing and it seems off. If that is true do not expect them to find timing against a fast Illinois Defense.
On the defensive side of the ball WM has really been focused on trying to do better, only problem is they are thin on depth. I look for the Illinois offense to be able to move the ball against the broncos d.
Turnovers will be the key to this game, I would sure be interested on what the over/under is on turnovers for this game.
Illinois 28 WM 13
Good luck all.
Carpet
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