New faces, new systems: Illini coaches prepare for UAB opener

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With less than a week until Illinois returns to Memorial Stadium, the Illini are preparing to take the field with a team that looks much different than it did a year ago.

Following an offseason full of turbulence, Illinois will finally have the chance to show what its new-look roster can do when it takes on UAB. Both sides of the ball feature major changes, including new coordinators, new starters and a new defensive scheme.

Defense: Hauck’s 3-3-5 era begins

The most significant change comes on the defensive side of the ball. After Aaron Henry’s departure, Illinois hired Bobby Hauck, who spent the better part of two decades as Montana’s head coach, to lead the defense. Hauck will install a 3-3-5 defensive system, giving the Illini a new identity heading into the season.

Hauck acknowledged plenty of new faces on his side of the ball, but he remains focused on building the defense rather than outside expectations.

“I don’t know anything about rankings,” Hauck said. “I want to know who’s giving them stars.”

For Hauck, the intellectual side of football is a major part of what makes coaching appealing. He said the game planning and strategic aspects of the sport have always fascinated him.

Hauck is a complete 180 from Henry. Hauck, who has decades of coaching experience, definitely brings more of an old-school mentality to the locker room. 

The transition has also required close communication with head coach Bret Bielema. Hauck said Bielema has “a million different things going on,” but remains tuned in to all aspects of the program.

Bielema has been encouraged by what he has seen from the defense during the preseason.

“I think our defensive guys are having a lot of fun,” Bielema said.

Still, Bielema knows the defense will face an immediate test against UAB.

“We have a tremendous challenge, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Bielema said.

Offense: Houser takes the keys

Illinois will also look different offensively, with Katin Houser taking over at quarterback and three new offensive linemen joining the starting group.

Houser, a fifth-year senior who spent time at Michigan State and East Carolina, will attempt to fill the void left by Luke Altmyer. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. emphasized keeping things simple for his new quarterback.

“I just want him to be the quarterback,” Lunney said. “Just focus on the fundamentals.”

Bielema has been impressed with Houser’s approach heading into his first game as an Illini.

“There’s no one more excited to play this game than Katin,” Bielema said. “He’s super excited to play someone in another jersey.”

Who will be ready for UAB?

At Friday’s press conference, Bielema was optimistic about his squad’s health. 

However, two concerns stood out.

Bielema was less willing to provide details on the status of receiver Jayshon Platt, simply saying, “I’d rather not say” when asked about his injury.

Platt was injured during the start of Fall camp, and it seems that he will be out for at least the first few weeks of the season. 

Besides Platt, Daniel Brown was the other player Bielema mentioned as not being ready for week one. 

The fifth-year senior has played the last two seasons in Champaign and has been struggling with injuries throughout the summer. 

Brown played in nine games last year, along with two starts. With the Illini debuting their new 3-3-5 structure, Brown will be a helpful piece when healthy.

Despite the injuries, with the opener quickly approaching, Bielema’s focus is now firmly on UAB.

“From this point forward it’s all UAB,” Bielema said.

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