challenge, appointing respected administrator Neil Balme as their

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- When Illinois players talk about the differences between this summer and last, they talk about excitement and calm.They use both words to describe changes that have begun under their first-year leader, longtime NFL coach Lovie Smith. And both words illustrate the sharp contrast between this summer and last, when their coach was fired just a week before the opening game.I think thats a great feeling. Its a feeling we havent felt in a while, just as players, senior quarterback Wes Lunt said.Part of Smiths job has been trying to repair both the reputation of Illini football and the teams morale, both damaged when Tim Beckman was fired last summer amid allegations that he mistreated players and interfered in medical decisions.Of course, Smith is at Illinois to do more than polish a tarnished brand. Under Beckman and replacement Bill Cubit, wins were scarce. Cubit was thrust into the interim role when Beckman was fired and the team finished 5-7 (2-6 Big Ten). Illinois never won more than six games in Beckmans three seasons.We were a five-win team last year, I understand that, Smith said. I know were going to be a better team.A few things to keep an eye out for as Illinois prepares to open the season:A LOAD OFF LUNTLunts history of injuries and a lack of proven pass-catchers -- another anterior cruciate ligament tear is expected to sideline Mike Dudek for a second straight season -- mean Illinois will need to be able to run the ball. That means sophomore KeShawn Vaughn, the only experienced back on the roster, will see a lot of carries.In order for us to have success at the running game Keshawn Vaughn has to have a good year. He realizes it, Smith said.Vaughn carried the ball 157 times for 723 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman.DEFENSE FIRSTSmith pointed out before preseason workouts that defense should be Illinois strength. But the Illini lost a half-dozen starters from a defense that was ranked eighth in the Big Ten in points given up at 23.3 per game and ninth in yards allowed at 350.8. The emergence of Dawuane Smoot at defensive end gives Illinois a strong pass rusher. He led the team with eight sacks and 15 tackles for losses in 2015. Transfer Hardy Nickersons arrival from Cal -- his father, also Hardy Nickerson, is the defensive coordinator -- should strengthen a thin group of linebackers.KEY GAMESIf the Illini can finish the nonconference schedule 2-1 with wins over Murray State and Western Michigan, the Big Ten schedule offers four games that would not require dramatic upsets to win. Illinois hosts Purdue and faces Rutgers on the road. If the Illini win those, the Oct. 29 home game against Minnesota and the Nov. 26 game at Northwestern could be make-or-break games for a bowl berth.PREDICTIONThe Illini are energized by their new coach and his NFL pedigree, but this is essentially the same team that was 5-7 last season, minus a number of key starters. Lunts ability to stay healthy will be a major factor. The home-heavy schedule and a handful of winnable Big Ten games give Illinois a path to a bowl game. But given the likelihood of injuries and first-season hiccups for a brand-new coaching staff, 5-7 and sixth in the Big Ten West seems about right.SEASON OPENERThe Lovie Smith era begins at home on Sept. 3 against Murray State. The Illini and Racers have never played. The Racers, a Football Championship Subdivision school, were 3-8 last season.---Online: AP College Football site: http://collegefootball.ap.org/---Follow David Mercer on Twitter: (at)davidmercerAP Cody Stashak Twins Jersey . 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Lewis Thorpe Twins Jersey . -- Ryan Blaney provided more evidence that Penske Racings No. Richmond star Brett Deledio is emphatic the rising speculation about his AFL future is nothing more than media noise.The two-time All Australian said his manager Anthony McConville is fielding calls from rival clubs, but they are going no further.There has been a growing sense this week that something is up with Deledio and the Tigers.They dropped out of the finals this season for the first time since 2012, sparking a rebel group to call for a spill of the board.The Richmond hierarchy look to have killed off the challenge, appointing respected administrator Neil Balme as their new football director.Richmonds woes inevitably have led to talk about player trades and Deledio keeps being mentioned in the speculation.It is all noise and thats all it is, Deledio told RSN927.(McConville) obviously said with all this noise thats been created by the media, people are ringing up and seeing if theres any truth in it.Of course, hes just knocking it all on the head.ddddddddddddFormer Tigers great Matthew Richardson said Deledio might not be feeling the love from the club.But Deledio said that was just an old teammate sticking up for him.I am contracted and there are other, bigger things going on in the club at the moment that probably take precedence, Deledio said.No individual is bigger than the club and I will stand by that.Deledio praised Balmes appointment and added that he is impressed with how coach Damien Hardwick has handled the clubs woes.Hardwick gave an impassioned speech last week at their best and fairest awards, strongly backing the current Richmond leadership.To Dimmas credit, hes sticking fat and taking it all in his stride - keeping a brave face for the rest of us, Deledio said. 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