CHAMPAIGN – It’s already been a long season for the Illini football team, even if it’s only been a three-game stretch. So much hope brought with it some growing pains as Illinois stumbled out of the gate in the first month of the regular season under Coach Lovie Smith.

OK, so Illinois isn’t far off its expected pace after going 1-2 in the three non-conference games. But as Big Ten Conference play begins this weekend for the Illini with a date at Nebraska, Illinois has some work to do. A struggling offense needs better leadership and more assertive play from key Illini. Defensively, the Illini can’t stop the run, a bad sign heading into the black-and-blue Big Ten.

As the Illini start conference play while looking for some answers, let’s take note of these five hot topics.

Will the rushing defense improve?

Heading into the season, the Illini game plan relied upon a respectable game from the defense and the playmaking of quarterback Wes Lunt. (We’ll talk more about Lunt in a minute.) Behind a line that’s regarded as the deepest and most talented position group on the roster, the Illinois defense was expected to help keep the Illini in the game.

But Illinois ranks last in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 242 yards per game. Opponents averaged a whopping 5.4 yards per carry. While the defensive line hasn’t been playing great against the run, the inability centers more on the back seven. The linebackers and defensive secondary haven’t been making plays. North Carolina and Western Michigan spread the Illini, and Illinois wasn’t able to make plays in space. They’re athletic enough and physical, but a young back seven just aren’t instinctive. That might come with time.

Linebacker Hardy Nickerson has been the most consistent, but he can’t be everywhere. Safety Taylor Barton is the final back stop. Instead of flying up into the mix looking for the big play. He’s got to make the sure tackle and reduce those big plays. Moving forward, it will be interesting while watching Illinois in 4-3 and nickel defenses.

Will Lovie make a change at quarterback if Wes Lunt stumbles?

After listening to offensive coordinator Garrick McGee during the weekly press conference, it’s apparent the Illini coaching staff isn’t happy with Lunt’s decision making. Instead of playing it safe, dumping off for short gains on third and long and throwing it away, Lunt must be more assertive and lay it on the line, McGee said.

OK, so there’s little chance the Illini go with Chayce Crouch or Jeff George Jr. for long stretches this season, barring major injury to Lunt. But the Illini want to light a fire under the most important person on the roster. Lunt is laid back to a fault, and his karma carries over to the field.

The coaches aren’t talking about Lunt to fill dead air. The Illini need him to make plays, go for it on third down and use his legs when necessary. This is his last chance to lift the Illini and leave a final good impression. His legacy likely rests on his play over the next nine games.

Will cohesiveness improve on the offensive line?

A mix of veterans and new starters haven’t jelled yet on the offensive line, and they just don’t seem to be on the same page. OK, so there’s been an injury, Guard Gabe Megginson missed some action, although there’s a chance he may return by the weekend. Honestly, there was little drop off from Megginson to his replacement, junior college transfer Jordan Fagan.

The question remains if line coach Luke Butkus can exert more cohesiveness out of this mix of returning starters and newcomers to the first team. This isn’t a pack of road graders who will just push them out of the way one-on-one. This isn’t Bucky Badger football. Illinois relies upon zone plays and double teams to create holes. It’s hard to say if going strong-side and weak side is causing any confusion.

An anemic running game against Western Michigan caused Illini fans to gasp. That’s not a good sign heading into Big Ten play.

Where do the wins come from if there’s a path to bowl eligibility?

Like an old man once said, if you can’t find the easy win on the schedule, you’re the easy win on the schedule. The most likely shots at victory in Big Ten play come against Purdue, Northwestern and Rutgers. The Illini get the Boilermakers at home. Purdue hasn’t gone anywhere with Darrell Hazell, so this is a must win. If there’s any hope for a bowl, the Illini must also secure road victories over Rutgers and Northwestern. It’s imperative the Illini go 3-0 against these other three struggling programs if there’s any chance of bowl eligibility.

From there, it’s going to take some upsets. The hope is Illinois used the bye week to coach them up, fix some problems and find some answers toward a turn around. The Illini must show signs of a transformation. If the Illini lay another egg and get blown out at Nebraska, it’s not looking good for a bowl game. Suddenly, the Illini are trying to save a sinking ship.

Can Illinois maintain enough positive buzz on the recruiting trail to close on some top targets?

Lovie is selling hope. His arrival as a coach with Super Bowl appearances provides a spark on the recruiting trail. He’s also selling playing time, because recruits who have visited see a work in progress. During the first two games, it’s become apparent to anyone watching the program needs an influx of talent.

Illinois hit the ground running in early August by snagging a pair of highly regarded offensive linemen. Larry Boyd of St. Louis, might even find his way into the starting lineup next fall. Running back Ra’Von Bonner of Cincinnati committed this week, and the Illini feel they’re close to securing commitments from five or six prospects high on their list.

Playing time is a great thing to sell, but the Illini must also show they’re not that far off. Instate kids don’t appear to be an issue. They’ve bought into the hype that Lovie’s the guy at Illinois. Yet when you look at highly ranked kids from outside the state, the question remains if they will travel from Florida, Texas or other hot beds to play for a program that hasn’t shown it can reach the bowl season in Lovie’s first year here.

John Supinie is a columnist for Orangeandbluenews.com. During the day, he’s an Audi Brand Specialist at Green Audi in Springfield. Call or text him at 217-377-1977 if you’re looking for an Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota or preowned car. Ask for the Illini deal.