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Regarding Illinois Football this year it can only get better, The addition of a New OC and DC has really started to show some dividends in early practice sessions.
The Illini has named red shirt fresh Nathan Sheelhaase as the starting QB. This kid comes out of the Kansas City area and from what I have seen so far he is Big, fast and smart a real play maker. But we all know way to much how first year QB's struggle.
The running game of Illinois is SOLID and I think they will lead the big 10 in rushing yards this year.
The Defense is a HUGE Question Mark and really hurt Illinois last year giving up an average of 30 points a game I believe. Matez Wilson a 5 star Line backer is back this year as Junior. Wilson was expected to have a break out year last year but a kneck injury sidelined him all year.
Last years 3-7 record led Coach Ron Zook to the head of the firing Line. What saved Zook was this major contract he has and with 3 years left. So what did Illinois do they told Zook to fire everyone of your coaches and go out and hire new ones. Illinois said to Zook either improve this year or your gone. While this decision keeps Zook at Illinois for at least one more year it has had a horrible effect on recruiting. The class of 2008 was a very very good recruiting class for Illinois and they are now Juniors now and should play up to potential.
Vic Koening is the DC for Illinois brought in from Kansas State, Koening took the wildcats from 112th in the nation on run defense in 2008 to #16 in the nation in 2009. This is excatly the kind of coach Illinois needs on DEFENSE
Paul Petrino is the OC for Illinois brought in from Arkansas who averaged 37 points a game last year. This coach makes the best use of his QB's and offense. Just another GEM of a find for this anemic offense.
All and all I think Illinois will improve from 3-9 The schedule is loaded for Bear so it will be difficult but I see a 6-6 record possible and a mini bowl game. Anything short of that and I can promise you coach Zook will be gone.
The Illini has named red shirt fresh Nathan Sheelhaase as the starting QB. This kid comes out of the Kansas City area and from what I have seen so far he is Big, fast and smart a real play maker. But we all know way to much how first year QB's struggle.
The running game of Illinois is SOLID and I think they will lead the big 10 in rushing yards this year.
The Defense is a HUGE Question Mark and really hurt Illinois last year giving up an average of 30 points a game I believe. Matez Wilson a 5 star Line backer is back this year as Junior. Wilson was expected to have a break out year last year but a kneck injury sidelined him all year.
Last years 3-7 record led Coach Ron Zook to the head of the firing Line. What saved Zook was this major contract he has and with 3 years left. So what did Illinois do they told Zook to fire everyone of your coaches and go out and hire new ones. Illinois said to Zook either improve this year or your gone. While this decision keeps Zook at Illinois for at least one more year it has had a horrible effect on recruiting. The class of 2008 was a very very good recruiting class for Illinois and they are now Juniors now and should play up to potential.
Vic Koening is the DC for Illinois brought in from Kansas State, Koening took the wildcats from 112th in the nation on run defense in 2008 to #16 in the nation in 2009. This is excatly the kind of coach Illinois needs on DEFENSE
Paul Petrino is the OC for Illinois brought in from Arkansas who averaged 37 points a game last year. This coach makes the best use of his QB's and offense. Just another GEM of a find for this anemic offense.
All and all I think Illinois will improve from 3-9 The schedule is loaded for Bear so it will be difficult but I see a 6-6 record possible and a mini bowl game. Anything short of that and I can promise you coach Zook will be gone.
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