5 things you'll see at Illinois-Western Michigan (maybe)

[Dan]

Since Tim Beckman won't tell us, we turned to Bob Asmussen for tips about what the Illini will offer when they take the field Sept. 1.

I think the Illini will come out throwing. A lot more than in 2011. Tim Beckman's final Toledo team averaged 268 passing yards per game. Illinois averaged 184 yards in Ron Zook's final season.

I think Jon Davis is going to like the new offense. The tight end from Louisville was the star of Camp Rantoul. Don't be surprised if he catches 10 balls in the opener. At least.

Asmussen

[Oskee Mayer]

I think the suffling on offensive line is going to make for a rocky start.

[DanvIllini]

Originally Posted by Oskee Mayer

I think the suffling on offensive line is going to make for a rocky start.

I just hope that Western Michigan will be enough for them to get used to it.

[AHSIllini32]

I know Asmussen said he thinks we will throw a lot more but I really think the first couple games we will come out and just try and out-physical teams in an effort to get the line comfortable and set...actually I take that back with ASU being the 2nd game I think we will have to open it up a bit in that game. I think the WMU game though will be a physical type game.

[WashUIllini]

I'm excited about seeing personnel groups used in the ASU games since I'm guessing we won't open it up much vs WMU. Or rather hopefully we won't have to.

[illiniobserver22]

Originally Posted by AHSIllini32

I know Asmussen said he thinks we will throw a lot more but I really think the first couple games we will come out and just try and out-physical teams in an effort to get the line comfortable and set...actually I take that back with ASU being the 2nd game I think we will have to open it up a bit in that game. I think the WMU game though will be a physical type game.

Agree, I don't think Bob has done his research on Western Michigan yet. They run a 4-2-5 with one of those linebackers being a hybrid safety and allowed 220 ypg on the ground last year including 296 to us. And they lost their MAC DPOY at DT.

I would imagine the coaches daring WMU to stop our running game. Heavy doses of DY5, Ferguson, Scheelhaase and Davis.

[quhawks12]

Originally Posted by illiniobserver22

Agree, I don't think Bob has done his research on Western Michigan yet. They run a 4-2-5 with one of those linebackers being a hybrid safety and allowed 220 ypg on the ground last year including 296 to us. And they lost their MAC DPOY at DT.

I would imagine the coaches daring WMU to stop our running game. Heavy doses of DY5, Ferguson, Scheelhaase and Davis.

Don't forget Church, Osei and Ayoola. All are going to run the football against WMU.

[256ILLINI]

"Since Tim Beckman won't tell us, we turned to Bob Asmussen for tips"

Now why would they do such a thing?

[Clemens]

It is going to be interesting to see how the area/local press reacts to Beckman's secrecy over the course of a season. Some of them had lots of access with Zook, it's going to be a big change and no doubt some at least will be complaining soon.