The Big Ten West is known for its great defenses. There’s nothing better than the national media’s reaction to a October game between two B1G West teams ending with a sickening 9-6 score.
With the way the Illini defense played last season, it felt like most of the time all the offense had to do was score nine points.
#1 in points allowed. #8 in passing yards allowed. #10 in rushing yards allowed. #3 in total yards allowed. #1 in turnovers. #1 in interceptions. I could go on forever.
Now, some of the key pieces are gone.