2003: 1-11 overall; 0-8 Big Ten (11th)

Coach: Ron Turner 32-49 in 7 years at the school

Returning starters: 15; 8 offense, 6 defense, punter

Top returnees: QB Jon Beutjer (126-257, 1,597, 10 TD, 9 Int.), RB E.B. Halsey (525 yds., 140 att., 2 TD), WR Lonnie Hurst, OLB Matt Sinclair (129 tackles, 4 sacks), DE Mike O'Brien, CB Kelvin Hayden

Hot topics: Beutjer, a transfer from Iowa, gets a sixth year of eligibility and third year as a starter for the Illini. Three promising offensive players have moved to defense, including Hayden, last year's leading receiver.

Cold facts: The Illini gave up a Big Ten-worst 223 yards rushing per game on the ground last season and came up with only two interceptions while finishing last in turnover ratio. Former Michigan linebacker Mike Mallory, whose father Bill was long-time coach at Indiana, has been brought in as coordinator to retool the defense.

Overview: The Illini are getting away from an overly ambitious non-conference schedule, playing their three non-league games at home in hopes of building momentum. But a shaky defense will keep them from making giant strides.

--Jon Spencer

Originally published Wednesday, September 8, 2004