Scouting the Fighting Illini

This Season
Illinois is 6-0 and has its best start since 1951. Illinois won the first five games at home against Arkansas St. (33-15), South Dakota St. (56-3), Arizona St. (17-14), Western Michigan (23-20), and Northwestern (38-35). Both the Arizona St. and Western Michigan game required fourth quarter scores by Illinois. The win against Northwestern was a rally from an 18 point deficit. Illinois also won its road game last week against Indiana (41-20). Illinois is averaging 226 rushing yards/game, 221 passing yards/game, and 34 points/game. The Illinois defense allows 79 rushing yards/game and 217 passing yards/game.

Offense
At QB is Nathan Scheelhaase, who is 66% for 1238 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. The favorite target of Scheelhaase is AJ Jenkins, who has 61% of Illinois' receiving yards. Jenkins leads the nation with 815 receiving yards. Jenkins had 450 yards and five touchdowns in the last two games against Big Ten opponents. At running back is Troy Pollard, who averages 9.8 yards/carry and has 361 rushing yards. Running back Jason Ford has 24 career rushing TDs. Scheelehaase will also run, and he has 347 rushing yards this season.

Defense
On the defensive line, Whitney Mercilus leads the nation with 8.5 sacks, which includes three sacks against Indiana. Defensive back Tavon Wilson had a big game last week, returning a fumble 66 yards for a touchdown, 11 tackles, and 3.5 tackles for a loss. Ian Thomas leads the linebackers and he is second on the team with 34 tackles. Linebacker Jonathan Brown returns after missing the game last week for putting his knee into a NW player's family jewels.