In Numbers: Illinois Preview

Submitted by The Mathlete on October 3rd, 2008 at 5:46 PM

Here is a look at Illinois's past performance, using the same methodology as in the Wisconsin post game look, except opponent strength is now factored in. This would be why some of the numbers would appear to be higher than expected. Missouri and Penn State have crushed some people so in comparison, Illinois's performance in losses were much better than either team had seen previously. Only FBS games are included so the Eastern Illinois game does not factor in any way.

Illinois:

Running game:

v Penn State: +7

v Missouri: +1

v UL Lafayette: -8

Passing game:

v Penn State: +8

v Missouri:+14

vUL Lafayette:-3

Run Defense:

v Penn State: +13

v Missouri:+0

vUL Lafayette:+12

Pass Defense:

v Penn State: +2

v Missouri:+10

vUL Lafayette:+10

Special Teams/Misc:

FG/PAT: 84th/120

Field Position: 102nd (losing 7.9 yards per possession)

Penalties: 106th

Punt: 85th, 33.2 net

Punt Return: 29th, 32.2 net

Kickoff: 115th, 37 average start

KO Return: 74th, 26 average start

Individuals:

Juice Williams is currently rated the #10 QB in the country, with a +7 average, +13 vs Mizzou ,+11 vs Penn and an embarassing -2 vs La Lafayette

Daniel Dufrene has been a middle of the road back, ranking #68 and being a flat +0 for the season.

None of the receivers have been spectacular with the cumbersomely named Michael Hoomanawanui being the top ranked at #56.

Overall, Illinois appears to have been solid but not spectacular against 2 very good teams and the offense was dreadful against ULL. The Illini appear to have serious issues with the "little things." Special Teams, penalties, field position etc have all been very poor for Illinois.

I will post a post game update, hopefully by Sunday. I am also trying to add content for all FBS teams on my blog. Let me know if there is anything you would like to see either on here, Michigan related or overall on my site and I will do my best to get it posted quickly.

Thanks for the positive feedback on the Wisconsin breakdown and let me know what else you would like to see.