Illini football notebook: Inexperienced D to take field Saturday

Heading into the season, the strength of the Illinois football program rests in its experienced defense.

But when the Illini face Missouri in the season opener at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPN2), the Tigers' spread offense loaded with wide receivers and pass-catching tight ends could force the Illini into playing five or six defensive backs.