No More Excuses, Illini Want Major Bowl Trip

CHAMPAIGN With another touchdown here or a break there againstthe non-conference teams, Illinois would have been in a bowl game.

And with a little more experience, the Illini might haveimproved on a decent 5-3 Big Ten record.

But those are excuses, and they're for last season.

This season, the Illini vow, they'll be ready.

"In the past, people have said we're a young team," linebackerSimeon Rice said. "Now, there are no excuses. This is the year todo it."

With seven home games and a soft non-conference schedule, adecent bowl trip is the minimum standard for Illinois, which isexpected to field one of the strongest defenses in the nation.

"If everybody has their head on right," said Butkus Awardcandidate Dana Howard, "I think we have the capability to go 12-0."

The Illinois offense will have to take some giant strides toreach that goal, but it figures to be better in its second year undercoordinator Greg Landry.

The biggest key is quarterback Johnny Johnson.

After averaging eight points a game in three non-conferencegames last year, Illinois averaged 22.5 points a game in the Big Ten,when Johnson replaced Scott Weaver as starter.

Although Johnson is No. 1, Tepper said he won't hesitate to turnto Weaver, or Jeff Hecklinski, if Johnson struggles.

"Last year, I wanted to prove I could play," said Johnson, whohad some great games and some disastrous ones last season. "Thisyear, I want to prove I can win."

On the offensive line, the Illini lack depth and will need tostay healthy. They also need Ken Blackman, who has moved to lefttackle from the defensive line, to be a quick study.

Illinois' all-around experience should make its offense better.But Tepper also will be looking to his freshmen running backs to easethe load on returnees Ty Douthard and Damian Platt.

But defense still is Illinois' meal ticket.

"With the strong defense we have," Johnson said, "if we can put20 points up on the board, we can win."

That's the kind of pressure the Illini defense faces,particularly because its linebackers are receiving a gargantuanpreseason buildup.

To challenge his defensive stalwarts, and keep them interested,defensive coordinator Denny Marcin has added a lot of wrinkles to hisbasic scheme.

"I don't think it's going to be hard to leave the mediaattention at home and just go out and play," Howard said.

"Even when you're 1-10, there's pressure to win," Tepper said."I'd rather have this kind of pressure."