EXPECT MORE FRESHMEN
Four true freshmen started the season opener, and eight more made their Illinois debuts in the 24-21 victory against Ball State. It's what Illini coach Lovie Smith intended all along, and that number could grow Saturday against Western Kentucky.
"When you're a young ball club, you want them to get as much experience and let them have an opportunity to play," Smith said. "That's where we were. At the end of the game, those young freshmen were stepping up and contributing. Some got time. Probably even more will get time this week.