The Big Ten will descend on Chicago later this week for its annual conference media days. The two-day event kicks off Thursday morning, and until then we’ll be getting you prepared for what to expect by running down some of the biggest questions each program will face at the podium and as the regular season gets started.

First on our list are the Fighting Illini, who are looking to continue steady progress in the win column after squeaking out a bowl trip in 2014. Despite the improving record, coach Tim Beckman hasn’t been able to shake speculation about his job security. He’ll be in Chicago, along with running back Josh Ferguson, guard Ted Karras and linebacker Mason Monheim.

1. What effect did offseason accusations have on the locker room?

The football program was among a couple of teams at Illinois that faced scrutiny from alumni this summer because of the way the coaching staff allegedly treated some of its players. Former offensive lineman Simon Cvijanovic accused Beckman of forcing him to play through injuries and excluding him from team functions when his career ended. The feud unfolded publicly as current players defended their coaches on social media and a few other former players chimed in to back Cvijanovic. Beckman will have to field questions about how he treats his players, how this summer affected his job and what it has done to his team’s morale. Strife can pull a team apart or bring it closer together, but at the very least the accusations this May were a distraction in Champaign.

2. How much of a setback is the loss of Mike Dudek?

The other big blow Illinois suffered this offseason was when Dudek, a sophomore wide receiver, tore his ACL in spring practice. Dudek was a freshman All-America pick last season and one of the most exciting Illini players in recent memory. He made 76 catches for 1,038 yards last season and was expected to be the main threat in an improved passing attack this fall. When will he be back on the field? If it’s this season, how much of a factor can he be while trying to return to full strength? And of course, what does this do to quarterback Wes Lunt's options through the air?

3. Will the defense be any better?

Illinois’ defense has been lacking, to be polite, during Beckman’s tenure. Last season’s group finished in the bottom of the Big Ten in every major statistical category. The Illini have allowed more than 30 points per game in each of the past three seasons, finishing 109th nationally (34 points per game) in 2014. The team hired former NFL assistant Mike Phair as a co-coordinator and defensive line coach in February to try to breathe some new life into the unit. Phair has a history with former Chicago Bears coaches Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli -- both known for their defensive minds. Will Phair have a positive impact on the Illini’s weak link? Can Monheim, a preseason all-conference linebacker, be a difference-maker and a leader for that group? If Illinois is going to find its way back into the postseason and continue moving forward as a program, the defense needs to improve.