2009 Illinois football preview: Coaching and special teams

Special teams was the weakest unit of the 2008 team - the Illini were at the bottom of the conference in field position. Poor tackling resulted in giving up favorable starting field position to opposing teams and silly errors in judgment on whether to call for a fair catch or not cost the Illini several times on their returns. In the first few games, the Illini missed a large number of tackles which resulted in great field position for opposing offenses. When the Illini committed to using players from the starting defensive unit to improve special teams play, Brit Miller clearly dominated on special teams coverage, providing most of the unit's tackles. With the abundance of speed and talent on the team this year, Illinois should not have to resort to sending their star players to carry their special teams. Someone will need to step up and fill Brit Miller's role.

David Lee