OK Vito, I'll try and answer. I'm an Illinois alum and actually grew up in Champaign-Urbana.
The new/interim coach is Bill Cubit. He's much better than Beckman, much smarter than Beckman, and has plenty of head coaching experience (Western Michigan). Cubit is an offensive guru, he has players going in a ton of different directions at all times.....which is essential because the Illinois offense is terribly undersized and underskilled. Their only hope is Cubit's genius play calling.
Wes Lunt is a skilled QB. He's from Illinois, went to Ok State, and then transferred back to U of I. He will be running for his life every game. Illinois' offensive line is awful. Lunt has a gun, and if he's upright, they'll score a few points (against the bad teams). Against the good Big Ten teams Illinois will get crushed simply because of the size and speed of the other teams defensive linemen.
Illinois' defense is actually pretty good. They have juniors and seniors at linebacker and good athletes on that side of the ball. Their D will keep them in some games.
Beckman had undeniably, the worst special teams in the history of Illinois football.......it wasn't even close......the WORST. That will get better under Cubit. Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if he goes for it a ton on fourth down.....their kickers are that bad.
Keep an eye out for a wide receiver named Mike Dudek. He's a true sophmore, had a great freshman year, and then blew out his knee in the Spring. He's supposed to be back sooner rather than later and he is a perfect fit for Cubit's system...and Lunt loves the guy.
That's about it. As always, the Illini will probably cruise through the cupcakes, get to 3-1 or so, play some Big Ten scrubs fairly tough, and then get creamated by Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Ohio State. My guess is that if Cubit gets 6 wins and they go to a bowl, he'll be retained as coach. That's only if the AD doesn't get canned. If they get a new AD, Cubit is probably out. But hey, recruiting is the key....they can't afford a lost year of bringing in much needed talent, and if Cubit has some good players lined up, he'll get a chance to stay.
Bring back the Chief -
Joe D