Illinois football won’t have a spring game, but it holds an open practice for fans at 1 p.m. Saturday inside Memorial Stadium. Here are five Illini to watch, courtesy of longtime college football writer Bob Asmussen:
LOVIE SMITH
Will the first-year leader run up and down the sidelines like a crazy person? Or will he stand calmly, quietly observing his team with the cool of an NFL coach? Maybe a combination of both.
WES LUNT
Obvious choice. Check out how comfortable the third-year starter is in another offense. New coordinator Garrick McGee said the offense is quarterback-driven.