Illinois Fighting Illini Spring Game 2015: Five Things to Watch
By Wes Evans
Nov 22, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Bell Belton (1) is tackled by Illinois Fighitng Illini defensive end Jihad Ward (17) at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Penn State 16 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
4. Defensive Line Depth
It is no secret for anyone who observed Illini football the past couple years that the defense has not held its own against opposing offenses. Illinois couldn’t stop the run and was not able to put any pressure on the quarterback.
Co-defensive coordinators Mike Phair and Tim Banks recognized this disturbing trend and have assembled a solid defensive line that has dominated the Illini offense all spring. Led by Robbie Bain, the defensive line has brought a quickness and intensity that fans haven’t seen since Whitney Mercilus was coming off the edge as one of the nation’s best pass-rushers in 2011.
Some of the success during the spring may be due to the injuries on the offensive line but either way, the defense has shown up during these spring workouts.
Next: Is Beckman feeling the heat?