ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI O:9 D:10
In 2005, new head coach Ron Zook's Illinois Fighting Illini got off to a great start, winning their first 2 games. And then it happened. The Fighting Illini gave up a Big 10 record 435 total points, and the offense only averaged 17 points per game. You can't do much worse than the Fighting Illini did last year.
The good news is they can only improve, with Zook's squad returning 19 starters from a year ago, and there's no doubt they‚ll be motivated to make up for last years embarrassing season. The offensive line is returning completely in tact, with a bit of retooling to allow the hogs to play to their best abilities. Quarterback Tim Brasic should improve on last year's numbers considerably, with a year of the new schemes under their belts.
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The defense is returning 10 from last year‚s squad, which might not be a great thing, considering they were torched repeatedly last year. DC Vince Okruch was brought in and he's proven to put out capable defenses where he is coached.
The Fighting Illini should be competitive in 2006 after being humiliated last year, and will no doubt take the field with something to prove. Especially in Big 10 play where they were 0-8, and covered one game against the spread. Zook is a proven recruiter, who could have some firepower standing by. A possible 3-0 start would be great motivation for the Fighting Illini to upset visiting Iowa who is scheduled for a late September matchup.
