SI's B1G preview: Illinois 9-3 (5-3)

With Ohio State and Penn State ineligible to play for the Big Ten title, can anyone challenge Wisconsin in the Leaders Division? Illinois has the best shot. First-year coach Tim Beckman inherits a talented group that imploded during the second half of last season. Pass-rusher extraordinaire Whitney Mercilus is gone, but defensive end Michael Buchanan should pick up some of the slack. Meanwhile, quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, who led Illinois in passing and rushing last season, will lead an offense designed to play to his strengths. As Ohio State's Urban Meyer can attest, succeeding Ron Zook is a coach's dream. While Zook may not have had the success Illinois wanted on the field, he always had a good eye for athletes, and Beckman should reap the benefits of Zook's recruiting prowess.

Andy Staples