A big bowl of Illini optimism

Offensively, Illinois was impressive even as disappointments mounted during the 2008 Big Ten season. Beginning in late September, the Illini (1) matched the most points, 24, scored against Big Ten co-champ Penn State in the regular season, (2) amassed 501 yards in ripping Michigan 45-20, (3) outgained Minnesota 550-312 in a devastating loss, (4) racked another 563 yards in destroying Indiana, (5) narrowly outgained Wisconsin 337-309 in a tough setback, (6) won a tossup duel with Iowa 27-24 on Matt Eller's late field goal, (7) outgained Western Michigan 443-365 in a demoralizing defeat in Detroit, (8) outgained Ohio State 455-354 in another disappointment and (9) fell to Northwestern 27-10 even as yards gained were virtually even.

Point is, barring turnovers and special teams failures, the Illini produced enough offense to win most of their games, and the abundance of returning talent should make the offense even better in 2009. The depth and quality of the receiving corps could put that group among the top three in modern times.

That doesn't mean the team will be better. That'll be up to the defense and special teams.

Tate