Martez Wilson out for the Season
In a huge blow to the Illini defense, junior linebacker Martez Wilson will miss the remainder of the season with a neck injury. A five-star prospect in 2007, Wilson played for the Illini right away and many expected him to break out in a major way this season.
The injury, a herniated disk requiring surgery, has to be especially devastating for Wilson after he worked his way back into the starting lineup following an incident at a bar in the winter where Wilson sustained multiple stab wounds. The injury occurred in the first week against Mizzou and Ian Thomas filled in for the win against Illinois State last week.
Thomas will likely start again next week when the Illini travel to Ohio State. The extra week to prepare should help out the sophomore, but the defense as a whole will be tested against dual-threat sophomore Terrelle Pryor.
This is tough for Wilson and you have to feel for him coming off the incident over the off-season. At least this will give some young players needed experience, but it’s another bombshell in a season off to a very rough start.
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Comments
Comment from StevieY19
Time September 17, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Sure, but it will be tough. The defense as a whole was never going to win games for Illinois. I don’t see them having much trouble getting to five wins, but they’ll need to take one of the tougher games (MSU, PSU, OSU, UM, Cincy) and also avoid upsets on the road against a few lesser Big Ten opponents. Juice has some Charlie Weis-level weight on his shoulders.
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Comment from Stormin Norman Disciple
Time September 17, 2009 at 2:29 pm
So do you still think we can make a bowl with this defense?