South Florida pounded Illinois last year. Why should Illini fans be worried it might happen again?
Because USF's veer-and-shoot system, under second-year coordinator Sterlin Gilbert, is clicking like never before. Heavily criticized last year for relying too heavily on the halfback dive (and not enough on the improvisation of former QB Quinton Flowers), Gilbert has shown play-calling diversity this year. The result has been tremendous balance (183.5 rushing yards, 287 passing yards per game) utilizing an assortment of players. The Illini can expect toss sweeps, jet sweeps, short screens and, of course, some vertical shots to set up the run.