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Pulse of Illini Nation: Improvement on Offense or on Defense?

Where would Illini Nation prefer to see improvement.

NCAA Football: Western Illinois at Illinois Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

The Illini are more or less where we expected them to be heading into the bye week. At 2-2, the remainder of the Illini’s 2018 season will be determined by how much improvement they can make coming off the bye.

So far this season, the Illini offense has averaged about 27 points and 409 yards per game. The defense has given up about 31 points per game and over 500 yards of offense.

Now, with #Illinutgers week here, the Illini have an opportunity to show significant improvement on both sides and notch their first Big Ten win in almost two seasons. But, when forced to pick between what unit shows significant improvement this week, Illini nation was divided.

Defense wins Championships

The defense has been terribly inconsistent so far and several fans prefer to see that unit improve.

Others agree.

Offense is Fun

The “good offense is fun” crowd had something to say about this.

Also, let’s not forget that from a perception standpoint, a transitive property win over Kansas is kind of important:

Who Cares! Just Win!!

David L. Brown does make a valid point here. The Illini have not won a Big Ten game since they beat Michigan State on Nov. 5, 2016. Just win!!!! We’ll worry about the rest later.

TCR’s own, Thumpasaurus, chimed in:

Wait, why can’t we have both?

With Rutgers being the most winnable game left on the schedule, some fans want both and we don’t blame them. Forrest Chump sees the bigger picture with #Illinutgers.

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