I’m going out on a limb.
I believe that Illinois football has a very winnable early season matchup against a South Florida program that lost a lot from a 10-2 that finished the 2017 season ranked No. 21 in the nation.
A daunting task it may be, but the personnel losses for the Bulls could be monumental in Illinois overcoming a perceived talent deficit. That includes star quarterback Quinton Flowers, the leader of the offense and, inarguably, the greatest quarterback in the history of the program.
Joining him on the offensive graduation list is leading rusher Darius Tice, three wide receivers including leading receiver Marquez-Valdes Spalding and two of their best offensive linemen in center Cameron Ruff and left guard Jeremi Hall.