Illinois Fighting Illini Spring Game 2015: Five Things to Watch
By Wes Evans
Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) throws a pass before the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
1. QB Wes Lunt returning from injury
The Illini lost their starter at the most important position in all of sports last year and went 2-3 in without Wes Lunt. He played 5 games where he was healthy and put up some good number before injuries plagued the rest of this season.
In those 5 games, Lunt threw 13 touchdown passes to only three interceptions and averaged more than 310 yard per game passing while leading his team to a 3-2 record. The opposition might not have been Wisconsin or Ohio State, but the offense was severely handicapped with Reilly O’Toole under center.
Lunt has a big arm and can make all the throws from the pocket that coach Beckman requires in his offense. The Illinois offense scored eight fewer points per game when Lunt was holding a clipboard and relied heavily on a running game that was not meant to be the focal point of the offense.
For the Illini to have any chance to compete in the upcoming season, Lunt will have to be healthy for every game.
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