Thank Tebow, its finally a week where we can talk about an actual game

So let us figure out the matchup against the Tigers of Missouri.

What happened last year: The Ilini and Mizzou had a barn burner that resulted in over 1,000 total yards of offense, including 5 TD's and 450 yards by Juice through the air. The defense was fairly easily picked apart early on and was run, mostly straight up the middle for 130 yards by Derrick Washington.  Although at one point the Illini were up 13 to 7, on the play immediately following their go ahead score Jeremy Maclin returned a kick for a TD and Mizzou went on a scoring tear going up 31 to 13 at half. The Illini did come storming back in the second half, but Mizzou was able to keep pace well enough to finish on top 52 to 42.

Who's gone and who returns?: This story may very well have a happy ending after all. Chase Daniel, who threw for 3 TDs, gone. Jeremy Maclin who returned a kick for a TD (two years in a row) gone, Chase Coffman, who had 120 yards receiving, gone. Along with half of the starters on defense. Most important returning factor for the Illini is Derrick Washington who surprised the Illini and ran all over a defense that was expecting alot more throwing. This year the Illini lose very talented DE's Will Davis and Derek Walker, along with DT David Lindquist. While the Dline loses talent, it may be stronger on the inside. Instead of 3 DE's starting on the line this year, the Illini will be starting 2 players at DT who did not see the field against Mizzou last year, Josh Brent and Corey Liuget. On offense, well you know the usual suspects of the Illini, Juice, Benn, Cumberland, Uh-oh and on and on.

Projection after the jump.

So that leaves the Illini with perhaps a weaker defense against the pass but stronger against the run. Luckily for the Illini, they will be meeting a Mizzou team that loses most of its passing offensive firepower. It will be starting Soph Blaine Gabbert, who will be seeing his first time behind center in a real game. Mizzou will more than likely want to lean on Washington to get Gabbert comfortable, which is beneficial to an Illini team with strength up the middle. 

On offense the Illini should capitalize on a defense that loses 7 starters from last year, especially on a secondary that returns only 1 true starter of 4. If the Illini can move the ball against the Tigers like they did last year, with out giving up the game changing special teams play as they have for the last two years they can and should win this game. This is of all of the Arch Rivalry games, the best opportunity for the Illini. Mizzou is very inexperienced and the Illini catch a QB in his first start ever. The Illini are very experienced, loaded on offense and should be able to control the game. If the Illini can't beat the Tigers this year, when they enjoy so many advantages, and while coming so close when they were over matched then I guess I don't know football.

Further speculation and second guessing to come as the weeks rolls on.