Illinois opened preseason training camp hoping to begin the road to something better than last season's four wins.

The Illini (4-8, 1-7 Big Ten) had a solid offense last season. It scored 29.7 points a game under first-year offensive coordinator Bill Cubit. That was after scoring 16.7 points a game in 2012.

Cubit is back, but he lost senior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (SHEEL'-hows). Strong-armed transfer Wes Lunt is the likely replacement. But head coach Tim Beckman hasn't yet named a starter.

What Illinois needs most is defensive improvement. Illinois gave up 35.4 points a game in 2013.

Most of last year's defense is back. Beckman said Monday he hopes the experience lets the defense make the kind of leap the offense made last season.