:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44222278/usa-today-8206012.0.jpg)
The Illinois Fighting Illini currently sit at 5-6. It's not hyperbole to say that this weekend's game against Northwestern might literally be the most important game of Tim Beckman's coaching career. If the Illini win, AD Mike Thomas will have a difficult time firing Beckman. If the Wildcats win, the decision is a little easier but still not an enjoyable experience for either man.
I've already written an article about replacing Tim Beckman, so I'd suggest reading that instead of me retyping it. No, today's article is suggesting something else entirely. No matter what the result of Saturday's game, defensive coordinator Tim Banks needs to be replaced.
Banks has been the defensive coordinator throughout the entire tenure of the Beckman years. That's three years to build a consistent system, to recruit your own athletes that will fit into your schemes. Over those three years, the Illini defense has been putrid. The defensive backs take bizarre angles to the ball. The defensive line fails to be disruptive. No one can tackle. This is how Banks units have ranked since 2012.
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |
|
Yards Allowed Per Game |
55th | 113th | 115th |
|
Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game |
97th | 119th | 123rd |
|
Yards Allowed Per Play |
86th | 114th | 108th |
|
Points Allowed Per Game |
95th | 106th | 105th |
|
Opponent's 3rd Down Conversion Rate |
24th | 107th | 112th |
Or maybe you prefer advanced stats. I'll accommodate you folks as well.
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |
| Defensive FEI | 56th | 102nd | 94th |
|
Defensive S&P |
88th | 103rd | 89th |
Holy crap, those numbers are bad. The 2012 defense could be called mediocre, if you're feeling charitable. Subpar feels a bit more accurate. But scroll back up and look at how bad those 2013 and 2014 numbers are. Only in the advanced stats do we not rate in the bottom 20% of all FBS teams. I will repeat that: ONLY IN THE ADVANCED STATS DO WE NOT RATE IN THE BOTTOM 20% OF ALL FBS TEAMS.
The offense was horrible in 2012 and both offensive coordinators were replaced. For whatever reason, Tim Banks managed to keep his job after last season despite a complete cratering of his unit. This is now consecutive years of absolutely abysmal defensive production. That's unacceptable. No matter what happens Saturday, a change needs to be made at defensive coordinator this winter.
Follow The Champaign Room on Twitter at @Champaign_Room and Like us on Facebook. You can follow Mark Primiano on Twitter at @SSS_UGod.