Illinois has hired Tim Beckmen as their new head football coach, replacing Ron Zook. Beckman previously was the head coach at the University of Toledo. Let's take a look at both Illinois and Toledo over the last few seasons.
This season Illinois is an above average team with an average record. The Fighting Illini are 6-6, but are currently the #48 ranked team in the nation, with the #94 ranked offense and the #7 ranked defense. Given the disparity between the two sides of the ball, their record seems indicative of their performance. In 2010, Illinois finished ranked #39 overall, with the #32 offense and #51 defense. The year before the Fighting Illini were the #92 ranked team with the #80 ranked offense and the #93 ranked defense, and in 2008 Illinois was #51 overall with the #49 ranked offense and the #51 ranked defense.
Toledo to date is 8-4 and currently ranked as the #17 most productive team in the football bowl subdivision. Toledo has the 6th best offense and the 78th best defense. The prior year Toledo was the #53 ranked team overall with the 50th best offense and the 44th best defense.