What To Watch For In Saturday's Illinois Fighting Illini Spring Game

Shandel Richardson | Apr 19, 2024

Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) is preparing for another season as the starter - Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Illinois Fighting Illini are coming off yet another disappointing season, finishing 5-7 and 3-6 in the Big Ten.

Hope for change begins Saturday at the annual Spring Game in Champaign at 1 p.m. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Here's what to watch for:

Is Luke Altmyer going to find consistency this season?

There were times Altmyer was great in his nine starts. There were times he was bad. What the Illini need to see from him is more consistency. Last year he threw for 1,883 yards and 13 touchdowns. He's going to have to adjust to new receivers and a revamped offensive line but experience is Altmyer's best asset. The hope is he come back a year wiser.

Can take Kaden Feagin take it to the next level?

Feagin enters as the incumbent at running back. He likely would have won the job regardless of last year's starter, Reggie Love III, transferring to Purdue. After averaging 4.6 yards a carry, Feagin is back to further showcase his skills. How much largely depends on backup Josh McCray. The key for McCray is remaining healthy but this competition should go on all season.

Who's going to replace the big guys up front on the defensive line?

Former Illini players Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph are preparing for the NFL draft. That's all you need to know about the talent lost up front. The Illini used the transfer portal to beef up. Senior Dennis Briggs Jr., is a transfer from Florida State. He's likely already earned a starting spot. Then there is Auburn transfer Enyce Sledge, who was a top recruit coming out of high school. He's No. 2 on the depth chart, but could make his way up. Both newcomers could help make up for the key losses.