Starting with the quarterback position, Sam Bradford received an 85 overall ranking, which is pretty solid. Steven Jackson was a 94 overall, and Donnie Avery was the top-ranked receiver currently on the roster with a 76 overall (and 96 speed). I thought Illini Mike was rated a bit low at 67 (behind Billy Bajema (72) and Lance Kendricks (71)), and the offensive line got good marks with Jacob Bell and Jason Smith both at 87, Jason Brown at 86, and Rodger Saffold at 83. I would rank Bell a bit lower and Saffold a bit higher, but that’s pretty solid as a group, and it doesn’t even include Harvey Dahl, who might be the best player on the line. Defense and special teams are after the jump.

Bradford was good overall, but he was even better in the red zone, as he tossed 4 TDs in 5 opportunities inside the 20. “Red zone was important for us, and we try to do as much of that as we can,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “So that was encouraging.”

On the receiving front, there were some standouts and several players who more than held their own. Danny Amendola caught 8 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, and new addition Mike Sims-Walker picked up 3 catches for 71 yards and a TD. Brandon Gibson and Billy Bajema each caught a TD as well in the game. More after the break.