In Brett Bielema's first-year as the head man at Illinois, the Illini finished 5-7 overall and there is a lot of hype surrounding the Illini entering 2022.

Champaign News Gazette beat writer Bob Asmussen says he doesn't know what to expect from Illinois this year. He points to the questions on defense replacing some really good players, to the quarterback position and lack of depth at the receiver position.

Asmussen has a few guys to keep an eye that are turning some heads in the early going of fall practices...

Asmussen says he just is not sure what Illinois will do but believes it is important for Illinois get off to a fast start. He believes if they can beat Wyoming Satuday and come back and beat Indiana next week, they have a chance to have some momentum going into the home game with Virginia on Sept. 10.