2021-2022 CFB Big Ten West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Illinois Fighting Illini: Big Ten West

Big Ten West Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini haven't had the best luck in the Big Ten in the previous ten seasons.

Illinois parted ways with head coach Lovie Smith this offseason. It will now enter a new era under former Arkansas and Wisconsin head coach Brett Bielema. It will be an uphill climb for Bielema, but he has had success in the Big Ten before with the Badgers.

Introducing new #Illini head coach, @BretBielema! 📝 » https://t.co/qBG5DIqZRU pic.twitter.com/cZL9k9n1Tq

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) December 19, 2020

Here's a look at the Illinois Fighting Illini's strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.

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2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois QB Brandon Peters

Illinois strengths: The Fighting Illini rank towards the top of the Big Ten in the offensive linemen position. Illinois only ranks inside the Big Ten's top ten in one other position: running back. Doug Kramer is the leader of the Fighting Illini's offensive line.

Illinois weaknesses: Illinois ranks towards the bottom of the Big Ten in four different positions. Their passing attack is set up to finish towards the bottom of the FBS. The Fighting Illini rank dead last in the Big Ten at wide receiver and 12th at quarterback.

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Illinois Fighting Illini key players: Offense

RB: Chase Brown - Illinois may rank towards the bottom at wide receiver but has an emerging talent at running back. Brown came on strong during the 2020 season, rushing for 540 yards and three touchdowns on 104 carries. It's not a ton of yards or touchdowns, but it's a step in the right direction.

🇺🇸 @PFF_College Preseason All-America Honorable Mention@illini_doug | #famILLy pic.twitter.com/WJ5omvO1Rm

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) July 2, 2021

C: Doug Kramer - Illinois will not have issues with protecting its quarterback, Brandon Peters. It's pretty evident the Fighting Illini's strength is their offensive line. Doug Kramer is one of the best offensive centers in the Big Ten heading into the 2021 season.

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Illinois Fighting Illini Key kayers: Defense

CB: Devon Witherspoon - Illinois is ranked 14th in the Big Ten at the secondary positions. One corner has been consistent for the Fighting Illini since day one, and that's Devon Witherspoon, who has registered 41 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and two interceptions.

Edge: Isaiah Gay - Entering the 2021-22 season, Isaiah Gay is coming off a stellar 2020. He posted a career-high in sacks at 2.5. Gay did see dips in his production in tackles for loss and solo tackles, but he's still one of the bright spots on the Fighting Illini's defensive front.

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2021-2022 Illinois Fighting Illini schedule

Week 0: Saturday, August 28 vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. UTSA Roadrunners

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 at Virginia Cavaliers

Week 3: Friday, September 17 vs. Maryland Terapins

Week 4: Saturday, September 25 at Purdue Boilermakers

Week 5: Saturday, October 2 vs. Charlotte 49ers

Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Week 7: Saturday, October 23 at Penn State Nittany Lions

Week 8: Saturday, October 30 vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Week 9: Saturday, November 9 at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Week 10: Saturday, November 20 at Iowa Hawkeyes

Week 11: Saturday, November 27 vs. Northwestern Wildcats

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2021-2022 Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction (2-10 overall, 0-9 Big Ten)

Illinois has too many holes in its passing attack on offense. The Fighting Illini will win two non-conference games against UTSA and Charlotte. Unfortunately, Illinois will struggle majorly against Big Ten conference opponents, losing all nine Big Ten games in 2021.