Illinois ranks among the nation's worst teams in most offensive and defensive categories, including scoring offense (120th) and defense (91st), and rushing (110th) and passing yards (89th). But the Illini do lead the FBS in two areas that give fans hope for the future: True freshman starters and forced fumbles.
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The Illini started seven true freshman players in a Week 2 win over Western Kentucky, the most in program history. A week later against USF, they set a new record when 10 true freshmen started, the most in the FBS this season. In all, 14 first-year players have started a game, also the most in the FBS. And while those freshman are part of a 2-3 start that has included three-straight losses by an average margin of 20.7 points, they've remained aggressive and hungry.
Illinois is tied with Wyoming for the FBS lead forced fumbles (12) and forced fumbles per game (two). True freshman defensive end Bobby Roundtree, a three-star recruit from Florida who had offers from Louisville and Virginia Tech, thwarted a potential Western Kentucky scoring drive with a sack and fumble in their eventual 20-7 win. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder has three sacks, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble and two passes defended.
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"Whenever you’re a freshman and you’ve moved into the starting lineup in a Big Ten school, it’s saying an awful lot about you and what we think of you,'' head coach Lovie Smith said after the game. "We put guys out there that we think can win football games. Bobby Roundtree has been a good player since he’s been on campus. Isaiah Gay has done the same thing.''
Smith and the coaching staff have repeatedly commended their youngsters for their attitude and aggressiveness, and while times are tough in Champaign following an 11-point home loss to lowly Rutgers, the program is remaining positive and hopeful for a future, one crafted by a parade of freshmen.
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