QUARTERBACKS

Juice Williams and Eddie McGee have been playing well during the season, but have yet to show consistency. The two played well last week against a porous Syracuse defense, but should face a greater challenge this week against the Hoosiers’ defense. Indiana quarterback Kellen Lewis will most likely be the most mobile quarterback that the Illini will face all year, and he leads the nation in quarterback rushing yards at just under 106 per game and will be Indiana’s main threat.

ADVANTAGE: INDIANA

RUNNING BACKS

With the emergence of third back Troy Pollard last week, the Illini will most likely use the first three backs on their depth chart throughout the game in different roles, assuming Daniel Dufrene can play Saturday. Indiana’s running backs may seem like they have done less because of Lewis’ ability to scramble, but they have played well under the radar. Marcus Thigpen is Indiana’s leading back, but as most Illini fans will remember, he may be more dangerous in the return game than in the rushing attack.

ADVANTAGE: ILLINOIS

WIDE RECEIVERS

Illinois receivers looked good last week running routes against a spotty Syracuse secondary. While they will be facing much more intense competition this weekend, Arrelious Benn and Brian Gamble are asserting themselves as threats to opposing defenses. Indiana may lack some of the depth that Illinois has but makes up for it with James Hardy. Hardy is tied for the conference lead in touchdown receptions.

ADVANTAGE: INDIANA

OFFENSIVE LINE

Illinois’ offensive line has only let up five sacks so far and didn’t allow any last week against the Orange. The Hoosier line has allowed fewer sacks in its first three games, but it’s hard to look too much into the Indiana stats because of the Hoosiers’ opponents, however.

ADVANTAGE: ILLINOIS

DEFENSIVE LINE

Arguably the deepest position on the team, the Illinois front four has been an unsung part of the Illini defensive attack. The statistics may not show how well they have played but their teammates will be more than willing to let you know. Indiana has the flashy stat that all the fans want to see, totaling 17 sacks on the year. Greg Middleton leads the Hoosiers with five sacks on the year and will need to be shut down to facilitate the Illini offense.

ADVANTAGE: INDIANA

LINEBACKERS

Outside linebacker Brit Miller had a big game against Syracuse last week, tying his career high in tackles for a loss in a seven-tackle effort. Antonio Steele and J Leman each recorded eight tackles against the Orange last week.The Indiana linebackers are led by Geno Johnson, their team’s leading tackler, and Adam McClurg. The group may not have the same nose for the ball as the Illini corps but should have plenty of chances for tackles with the Illinois rushing attack coming at it.

ADVANTAGE: ILLINOIS

SECONDARY

The matchup of sophomore Vontae Davis on James Hardy will be one of the biggest to watch this week. If Davis can shut down Hardy, it will make things much easier for the other 10 Illini defenders. Indiana, on the other hand, has the second worst pass defense in the Big Ten and has allowed 244.7 yards through the air per game against some pretty bad teams.

ADVANTAGE: ILLINOIS

SPECIAL TEAMS

Anthony Santella has done a good job of punting this year but could still add a little distance to his kicks. Placekicker Jason Reda boomed an extremely impressive 50-yard field goal last weekend in the Carrier Dome in a two-field goal effort. The Hoosiers’ Austin Starr has had a great start to his season, hitting seven of eight field goal attempts, including a 48 yarder. Illinois should look to take advantage of Indiana’s suspect kick return coverage. The unit has already let up 492 yards and one touchdown.

ADVANTAGE: DRAW

COACHES

Ron Zook called a good game last week against Syracuse, especially in the first half. This week will be a much greater challenge, but Zook and his staff appear ready. Head coach Bill Lynch has done a great job bringing this team together and leading it to a 3-0 start.

ADVANTAGE: DRAW