After years of being ineffective while running the ball, will Illinois be able to be successful on the ground this season?
While much has been discussed about the impact of hiring Lovie Smith in place of Bill Cubit, there might not be a more noticeable change between the two coaches than their offensive philosophies. Gone is Cubit and his affinity for spreading out defenses and throwing the ball, and in comes Lovie and new offensive coordinator Garrick McGee's commitment to running the ball, an area where Illinois has struggled in the past. Leading the Illini's group of ballcarriers is sophomore Ke'Shawn Vaughn, and he'll take on an even heavier load this season with the departure of Swiss Army Knife Josh Ferguson.