I've tried to read some articles on Illinois and watch the BTN preview, but a lot like us they are closed down. With that said, let's discuss some of the matchups. Here is my take:
NU OL vs. ILL DL - Sounds like they are really lacking depth and if they start having to sub we should be able to run the ball fairly well. They do have some decent LB's that return that will help, but I think our OL could do well against their D-Line.
NU Secondary vs. ILL WR's - Sounds like they are a little banged up at the WR level and have some younger guys. They also had Peters biggest target graduate. I really like CTB and I think our other corners are going to be pretty damn good as well. I think we are going to make them run, and that sets up well for us.
NU DL - ILL OLine - Sounds like they have some decent depth here and a few really good players. Hopefully we set the tone early, and being we will be able to rotate, I think that favors us, but should be a good matchup. Our LB'ers are going to need to have a good game because you know Bert is going to try to run the ball early and ofter especially since I think our Secondary is going to shut them down.
NU WR's - ILL Secondary - Sounds like they have a few pieces here, but I think we are going to run the football well against them, which is only going to open up the passing game. I know our guys are unproven, but I really like some of our guys. Yes we lost Wandale, but I think Toure could be an upgrade for a couple of reasons. The biggest reason is I feel like he will actually block in the run game. If you go back and watch Wandale try to block, it was pitiful. Kid was a gamer, but not good blocking out of the slot. Also, I don't feel like everything is going to be run through Toure. We seem to have many more decent skill players this year and will have targets with potentially 2 RB's, at least 1 big TE, and a load of WR's. I think our size of WR's now too is going to give ILL fits.
