How is Ron Zook rewarded for turning in a 7-6 season and a Texas Bowl victory over Baylor…a $250,000.00 raise. Zook, who has been under the helm at Illinois since 2005 has compiled a paltry 28-45 overall record. In return, the University of Illinois wants to thank him by bumping his compensation package, upon board approval, in excess of $1.75 million dollars. After a 3-9 campaign in 2009, the Illini nation was sure Zook would be replaced. Instead, the...
The first part of this Iowa news series received such a warm reception by Hawkeye Nation, hopefully part two promises more of the same. Apparently, Hawkeye football in Iowa is more popular than corn subsidies. Iowans from Sioux City to Waterloo either left comments or shot-off emails, sticking up for their head coach, with some using a few choice words to do so. Nonetheless, I would not expect any different from any true college football fan in coming to the aid and defense of their...
Life after Juice Williams is underway in Champaign, IL. 6’3, 195 lbs., redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase was named the starting QB for the Fighting Illini for the 2010 football season and will make his debut when Illinois travels to St. Louis to play Missouri on September 4th. Scheelhaase redshirted in 2009 but head coach Ron Zook has full faith that he can run the offense. “Following spring ball, our coaching staff had some time to review the quarterback situation and...
Ron Zook’s secondary took a hit this weekend after CB Walter Aikens was nabbed for possession of stolen property in a sting operation. As a result of his arrest, the Illini scratched Aikens from today’s spring game and suspended him indefinitely. Early Friday morning, Aikens was arrested and charged with a Class 4 felony for his connection with the theft of electronic items from Snyder and Forbes Halls. An undercover officer arranged to purchase a laptop computer from Aikens. ...
Football is coming to Wrigley Field. A deal was reached last Thursday that will bring the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini to Wrigley for a game on November 20th, 2010. Football isn’t new to Wrigley field as the Chicago Bears used to call the ballpark home from 1921-1970. “It’s great for both programs, with the mystique of the stadium,” Illinois coach Ron Zook told ESPN.com. “Both programs will really enjoy it.” It seems to be a growing trend...
Ron Zook is known for his ability to recruit the nation’s top talent such as Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn. However, his demise, as fans will proclaim, has always been his coaching and play calling. Well it looks like his recruiting finally caught up to his coaching. This year, the Ilini finished the recruiting season with one of its worst classes ever. Rivals.com ranked the class at 70 while Scout.com had them a bit higher at 60. Even so, it was a...
Photo source: Illinois Loyalty For all you Illini fans, we all know how much DT Josh Brent has meant for the team and the defensive line. In 2009 he performed solidly amassing 29 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. If you are wondering why you haven’t seen him on Peabody Drive heading towards the ARC this semester, it’s because he is no longer a student. Brent is currently dealing with serious academic issues. So much so, he is...
Ron Zook is coming off of one of his worst coaching seasons in his illustrious career. Prior to the season, there was a lot of promise with Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn leading the offensive threat. Well things just didn’t work out like they were supposed to as Illinois finished 3-9 and 50th in total offense and 82nd in points per game. So rather than taking the blame for his team’s woes, Zook is cleaning house and firing staff. OC...
