Big Ten Football: Projecting The West Division

6. Illinois

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Hey, remember that Nathan Scheelhaase guy? Yeah, he was fun to watch. Despite his presence, the Illini almost got blanked in conference play last year, but thank Heavens for Purdue!

Surely Tim Beckman gets a break in 2014. Oh, road trips to Washington, Nebraska, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Northwestern are on the schedule? Awesome!

Quarterback Reilly O’Toole held his own against Oklahoma State transfer Wes Lunt this spring, a battle that likely bleeds into fall. The development of linebackers Mason Monheim and T.J. Neal is a plus. However, Illinois lost two major components in Jonathan Brown and Houston Bates.

This is a team that ranked in the bottom 20 when it came to points allowed in 2013, so someone needs to step up and fast.

They should be able to take down Youngstown State and Texas State, but I think Western Kentucky upends them early on. As for their conference record…thank Heavens for Purdue!

Final Record: 3-9 (1-7)