Illinois was able to, against all odds, make it to a bowl game in 2014, likely saving the job of coach Tim Beckman. Thanks to an admirable job filling in under center by Riley O'Toole and a sensational season by then-freshman wide receiver Mike Dudek, the Illini offense was solid down the stretch last season. To start 2015, however, they will be missing their biggest offensive threat.
Dudek tore his ACL in practice on Wednesday. According to a report from the Illinois program, he could be out until October at the earliest with the injury. The school also reported that the injury came in a non-contact drill.
Primed to be one of the best receivers in the country this coming season, Dudek has recently been garnering plenty of national attention. Named a freshman all-American by several outlets, and featured in VAVEL's 2015 Wide Receivers Preview from February, he figured to be Illinois' most productive player this coming season. Dudek led the Big Ten in receiving during conference play in 2014, with 50 receptions for 716 yards.
If Dudek is out until the start of October, he will miss Illinois' games against Kent State, Western Illinois and Middle Tennessee at home, as well as a road game against North Carolina. This would cover the entirety of the Fighting Illini's non-conference schedule.