2009 Illinois Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Ron Zook
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Dan Disch - Linebackers, Co-Defensive Coordinator
Curt Mallory - Defensive Secondary, Co-Defensive Coordinator
Mike Schultz - Offensive Coordinator
Reggie Mitchell - Assistant Head Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, Running Backs
Keith Gilmore - Defensive Line
Jim Pry - Inside Receivers
Kurt Beathard - Quarterbacks
Joe Gilbert - Offensive Line
Mike Woodford - Special Teams Coordinator
Recruiting Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Dan Disch - Linebackers, Co-Defensive Coordinator
Curt Mallory - Defensive Secondary, Co-Defensive Coordinator
Mike Schultz - Offensive Coordinator
Reggie Mitchell - Assistant Head Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, Running Backs
Keith Gilmore - Defensive Line
Jim Pry - Inside Receivers
Kurt Beathard - Quarterbacks
Joe Gilbert - Offensive Line
Mike Woodford - Special Teams Coordinator
Starters Returning: 13 (Offense 7, Defense 5, Special Teams 1)
Notable Returners:
QB Juice Williams, RB Daniel Dufrene, WR Arrelious Benn, WR Jeff Cumberland, TE Michael Hoomanawanui, C Eric Block, RG Eric Asamoah, RT Jeff Allen, DE Doug Pilcher, DT Josh Brent, DT Sirod Williams, LB Martez Wilson (out for 2009 season - neck injury), S Travon Bellamy, S Donsay Hardeman, CB Dere Hicks
Starters Lost: 11 (Offense 4, Defense 6, Special Teams 1)
Notable Losses:
WR Will Judson, LT Xaiver Fulton, C Ryan McDonald, DE Derek Walker, DE Will Davis, DT David Lindquist, MLB Britt Miller, OLB Rodney Pittman, CB Vontae Davis
Notable Returners:
QB Juice Williams, RB Daniel Dufrene, WR Arrelious Benn, WR Jeff Cumberland, TE Michael Hoomanawanui, C Eric Block, RG Eric Asamoah, RT Jeff Allen, DE Doug Pilcher, DT Josh Brent, DT Sirod Williams, LB Martez Wilson (out for 2009 season - neck injury), S Travon Bellamy, S Donsay Hardeman, CB Dere Hicks
Starters Lost: 11 (Offense 4, Defense 6, Special Teams 1)
Notable Losses:
WR Will Judson, LT Xaiver Fulton, C Ryan McDonald, DE Derek Walker, DE Will Davis, DT David Lindquist, MLB Britt Miller, OLB Rodney Pittman, CB Vontae Davis
Recruiting:
Name Pos Height Weight - Hometown - Scout/Rivals rating
2010 Verbals
Scout.com - #37 class - 3-4*, 6-3* - 3.33* average
Rivals.com - #41 class - 2-4*, 7-3* - 3.22* average
Shawn Afryl OL 6-3 301 - Niles, IL - 3*/3*
Cory Cooper S 6-2 203 - Maywood, IL - 4*/4*
Daniel Easterly S 6-4 178 - Detroit, MI - 3*/3*
C.J. Fiedorowicz TE 6-7 240 - Johnsburg, IL - 4*/4*
Andy Gallik OL 6-2 290 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Michael Heitz OL 6-6 257 - Table Grove, IL - 3*/3*
Dexter McDonald CB 6-2 180 - Kansas City, MO - 3*/3*
Chandler Whitmer QB 6-1 185 - Downers Grove, IL - 4*/3*
Mark Wilson LB 6-2 225 - Tallahassee, FL - 3*/3*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #35 class - 5-4*, 6-3*, 9-2* - 2.80* average
Rivals.com - #35 class - 7-4*, 8-3*, 5-2* - 3.10* average
Walter Aikens S 6-1 183 - Charlotte, NC - 2*/2*
Michael Buchanan DE 6-6 220 - Flossmoor, IL - 3*/4*
Lendell Buckner DT 6-3 341 - Chicago, IL - 4*/4*
Andrew Carter OL 6-4 264 - Tallahassee, FL - 4*/3*
Jake Feldmeyer OL 6-4 265 - Centerville, OH - 2*/2*
Greg Fuller RB 6-1 242 - Harvey, IL - 2*/3*
Bud Golden RB 6-0 191 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/4*
Justin Green CB 5-10 178 - Louisville, KY - 4*/4*
Aaron Gress LB 6-2 240 - Exeter, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Terry Hawthorne WR 6-0 168 - East St. Louis, IL - 4*/4*
Leon Hill OL 6-4 320 - Chicago, IL - 3*/4*
Tommie Hopkins DB 5-11 175 - East St. Louis, IL - 3*/3*
Steve Hull WR 6-2 176 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/3*
Tim Kynard DE 6-3 240 - Toledo, OH - 2*/2*
Justin Lattimore TE 6-3 215 - Tampa, FL - 2*/2*
Nathan Scheelhaase QB 6-3 184 - Kansas City, MO - 4*/4*
Akeem Spence DT 6-1 280 - 2*/3*
Hugh Thornton OL 6-5 285 - Oberlin, OH - 2*/3*
Joelil Thrash DB 6-0 181 - Washington, DC - 2*/2*
Eric Watts LB 6-1 219 - Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3*
2008 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #19 class - 6-4*, 14-3*, 8-2* - 2.93* average
Rivals.com - #23 class - 6-4*, 16-3*, 6-2* - 3.00* average
Jeffery Allen OL 6-4 324 - Chicago, IL - 2*/2*
Jacob Charest QB 6-4 192 - Matthews, NC - 3*/3*
London Davis TE 6-4 255 - Cahokia, IL - 3*/3*
Russell Ellington LB 6-2 203 - Homewood, IL - 3*/2*
[strike]Reggie Ellis DT 6-2 278 - Washington, DC - 3*/4* [/strike]
Jason Ford RB 5-10 209 - Belleville, IL - 3*/3*
Glenn Foster DE 6-4 223 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Evan Frierson LB 6-2 217 - Washington, DC - 2*/2*
Hubie Graham TE 6-4 227 - Scranton , PA - 4*/4*
Donsay Hardeman DB 6-2 220 - Milledgeville, GA - 4*/4* - JUCO
Alfred Jenkins WR 6-0 170 - Jacksonville, FL - 4*/3*
Mikel LeShoure RB 6-0 220 - Champaign, IL - 3*/3*
Corey Lewis OL 6-6 278 - Cresco, PA - 2*/3*
Corey Liuget DT 6-3 260 - Hialeah, FL - 4*/4*
Whitney Mercilus DE 6-3 225 - Akron, OH - 2*/3*
[strike]Patrick Nixon ATH 5-10 180 - Jacksonville, FL - 3*/3* [/strike]
Nate Palmer LB 6-3 228 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Graham Pocic OL 6-7 316 - Lemont, IL - 4*/4*
Jack Ramsey ATH 5-11 182 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Tyler Sands OL 6-5 290 - Boyertown, PA - 3*/3*
Supo Sanni LB 6-3 197 - Homewood, IL - 3*/3*
Cordale Scott WR 6-3 200 - Cleveland, OH - 4*/4*
Ryan Sedlacek OL 6-4 292 - Westport, CT - 2*/2*
Justin Staples LB 6-4 215 - Lakewood, OH - 3*/3*
Fred Sykes WR 6-0 175 - Tampa, FL - 2*/3*
Ugochukwu Uzodinma DE 6-4 240 - Washington, DC - 2*/2*
Ashante Williams DB 5-10 191 - Mayfield, OH - 2*/2*
Tavon Wilson DB 6-0 179 - Washington, DC - 3*/3*
2007 recruiting Class
Scout.com - #20 class - 2-5*, 5-4*, 8-3*, 6-2*, 1-N/A - 3.14* average
Rivals.com - #20 class - 2-5*, 5-4*, 11-3*, 3-2*, 1-N/A - 3.29* average
Daryle Ballew DT 6-3 285 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/3*
Arrelious Benn WR 6-1 210 - Washington, D.C. - 5*/5*
Josh Brent DT 6-3 280 - Bloomington, IL - 4*/4*
Nathan Bussey ATH 6-2 202 - Washington, D.C. - 3*/3*
Jack Cornell Jr. OL 6-5 291 - Quincy, IL - 4*/3*
Daniel Dufrene RB 5-11 205 - Visalia, CA - 2*/3*
Clarence "Bo" Flowers QB 6-2 220 - Melrose Park, IL - N-A/N-A
[strike]Brian Gamble DB 5-11 185 - Massillon, OH - 3*/3* [/strike]
Mike Garrity OL 6-6 255 - Batavia, IL - 3*/3*
[strike]Phil Haig QB 6-3 185 - Inver Grove Heights, MN - 2*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Deries Hodge RB 6-0 213 - Harrisburg, PA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Mark Jackson OL 6-6 312 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Steve Matas DE 6-5 270 - Mentor, OH - 2*/3* [/strike]
[strike]D'Angelo McCray DT 6-4 289 - Jacksonville, FL - 4*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Anthony Morris DB 6-3 200 - Harvey, IL - 4*/4* [/strike]
Troy Pollard RB 5-8 177 - Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3*
[strike]Darius Purcell DB 5-10 210 - Chicago, IL - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Erique Robertson LB 5-10 207 - Maple Heights, OH - 3*/3* [/strike]
Ian Thomas LB 6-0 206 - Berwyn Heights, MD - 3*/2*
Marcus Thomas DB 5-11 157 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Craig Wilson OL 6-7 290 - Chatham, VA - 4*/4*
Martez Wilson DE 6-4 230 - Chicago, IL - 5*/5*
2006 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #28 class - 3-4*, 13-3*, 11-2* - 2.70* average
Rivals.com - #30 class - 6-4*, 12-3*, 9-2* - 2.89* average
Jon Asamoah OL 6-5 250 - Park Forest, IL - 2*/2*
Travon Bellamy DB 6-0 178 - Greenbelt, MD - 3*/3*
Jerry Brown DE 6-4 262 - St. Louis, MO - 3*/3*
Jeff Cumberland ATH 6-4 220 - Columbus, OH - 4*/4*
[strike]Vontae Davis DB 6-0 184 - Washington, D.C. - 3*/3* [/strike]
Chris Duvalt DB 5-10 159 - Lakeland, FL - 2*/4*
Garrett Edwards DB 6-2 192 - Downers Grove, IL - 3*/3*
Antonio Gully DB 6-0 175 - St. Louis, MO - 2*/2*
Dere Hicks DB 5-10 175 - Valley Forge, PA - 2*/2*
Michael Hoomanawanui TE 6-5 230 - Bloomington, IL - 2*/3*
Randall Hunt OL 6-6 286 - Wayne, PA - 3*/3*
Anterio Jackson LB 6-2 240 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Antonio James DE 6-5 245 - Massillon, OH - 3*/3*
Chris James WR 6-0 177 - Chicago, IL - 3*/4*
Dustin Jefferson LB 6-0 203 - Kankakee, IL - 3*/3*
[strike]Brandon Jordan OL 6-5 290 - Merrillville, IN - 2*/2* [/strike]
Eddie McGee QB 6-4 189 - Washington, D.C. - 2*/2*
[strike]Joe Morgan WR 6-2 175 - Canton, OH - 3*/2* [/strike]
Clay Nurse DE 6-3 235 - Beltsville, MD -2*/2*
Ryan Palmer OL 6-6 274 - Canton, OH - 2*/2*
[strike]Justin Sanders DB 6-2 - Booneville, MS - 2*/3* - JUCO [/strike]
Rahkeem Smith LB 6-1 220 - Hargrave Prep, Chatham, VA - 4*/4*
[strike]Antonio Steele LB 6-2 215 - Long Beach, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO [/strike]
[strike]Marques Wilkins WR 6-0 182 - Decatur, IL - 3*/4* [/strike]
Isiah Williams QB 6-2 207 - Chicago, IL 4*/4*
Craig Wilson OL 6-5 290 - Harvey, IL - 2*/3* - Prep - See 2006
Kyle Yelton K 6-1 180 4.65 - Chesterton, IN - 3*/2*
2005 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #45 class - 2-5*, 1-4*, 5-3*, 11-2*, 1-1* - 2.60* average
Rivals.com - #51 class - 0-5*, 3-4*, 6-3*, 11-2*, 0-1* - 2.60* average
[strike]Ismail Abdunafi DT 6-4 285 - Bakersfield, CA - 5*/4* - JUCO [/strike]
[strike]William Bergen OL 6-4 260 - Tampa, FL - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Paul Blalock QB 6-0 190 - Aurora, IL - 3*/3* [/strike]
Eric Block OL 6-3 282 - New Orleans, LA - 2*/2*
[strike]Immanuel Chu DT 6-2 263 - Woodstock, GA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]William Davis ATH 6-2 208 - Greenbelt, MD - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Guesly Dervil ATH 5-11 180 - Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Kyle Hudson WR 5-11 149 - Mattoon, IL - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Gregory McClendon WR 6-2 207 - Columbus, GA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Derrick McPhearson WR 6-0 195 - Fork Union, VA - 4*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Rashard Mendenhall RB 6-0 190 - Skokie, IL - 5*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Brit Miller LB 6-1 230 - Decatur, IL - 3*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Michael Nabolotny TE 6-6 240 - Glenview, IL - 2*/2* [/strike]
Doug Pilcher DE 6-5 230 - Hinsdale, IL - 3*/3*
[strike]Rodney Pittman DE 6-2 190 - Fort Washington, MD - 1*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Sam Porter DE 6-1 221 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Trevor Scott OL 6-3 269 - Fort Valley, GA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Rahkeem Smith LB 6-1 213 - Villa Park, IL - 3*/3* - Prep - See 2006 [/strike]
[strike]Tremayne Walker DT 6-3 285 - Tallahassee, FL - 2*/2* [/strike]
Sirod Williams DE 6-0 226 - Garfield Heights, OH - 2*/2*
[strike]No longer on roster [/strike]
Behind the Numbers Name Pos Height Weight - Hometown - Scout/Rivals rating
2010 Verbals
Scout.com - #37 class - 3-4*, 6-3* - 3.33* average
Rivals.com - #41 class - 2-4*, 7-3* - 3.22* average
Shawn Afryl OL 6-3 301 - Niles, IL - 3*/3*
Cory Cooper S 6-2 203 - Maywood, IL - 4*/4*
Daniel Easterly S 6-4 178 - Detroit, MI - 3*/3*
C.J. Fiedorowicz TE 6-7 240 - Johnsburg, IL - 4*/4*
Andy Gallik OL 6-2 290 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Michael Heitz OL 6-6 257 - Table Grove, IL - 3*/3*
Dexter McDonald CB 6-2 180 - Kansas City, MO - 3*/3*
Chandler Whitmer QB 6-1 185 - Downers Grove, IL - 4*/3*
Mark Wilson LB 6-2 225 - Tallahassee, FL - 3*/3*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #35 class - 5-4*, 6-3*, 9-2* - 2.80* average
Rivals.com - #35 class - 7-4*, 8-3*, 5-2* - 3.10* average
Walter Aikens S 6-1 183 - Charlotte, NC - 2*/2*
Michael Buchanan DE 6-6 220 - Flossmoor, IL - 3*/4*
Lendell Buckner DT 6-3 341 - Chicago, IL - 4*/4*
Andrew Carter OL 6-4 264 - Tallahassee, FL - 4*/3*
Jake Feldmeyer OL 6-4 265 - Centerville, OH - 2*/2*
Greg Fuller RB 6-1 242 - Harvey, IL - 2*/3*
Bud Golden RB 6-0 191 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/4*
Justin Green CB 5-10 178 - Louisville, KY - 4*/4*
Aaron Gress LB 6-2 240 - Exeter, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Terry Hawthorne WR 6-0 168 - East St. Louis, IL - 4*/4*
Leon Hill OL 6-4 320 - Chicago, IL - 3*/4*
Tommie Hopkins DB 5-11 175 - East St. Louis, IL - 3*/3*
Steve Hull WR 6-2 176 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/3*
Tim Kynard DE 6-3 240 - Toledo, OH - 2*/2*
Justin Lattimore TE 6-3 215 - Tampa, FL - 2*/2*
Nathan Scheelhaase QB 6-3 184 - Kansas City, MO - 4*/4*
Akeem Spence DT 6-1 280 - 2*/3*
Hugh Thornton OL 6-5 285 - Oberlin, OH - 2*/3*
Joelil Thrash DB 6-0 181 - Washington, DC - 2*/2*
Eric Watts LB 6-1 219 - Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3*
2008 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #19 class - 6-4*, 14-3*, 8-2* - 2.93* average
Rivals.com - #23 class - 6-4*, 16-3*, 6-2* - 3.00* average
Jeffery Allen OL 6-4 324 - Chicago, IL - 2*/2*
Jacob Charest QB 6-4 192 - Matthews, NC - 3*/3*
London Davis TE 6-4 255 - Cahokia, IL - 3*/3*
Russell Ellington LB 6-2 203 - Homewood, IL - 3*/2*
[strike]Reggie Ellis DT 6-2 278 - Washington, DC - 3*/4* [/strike]
Jason Ford RB 5-10 209 - Belleville, IL - 3*/3*
Glenn Foster DE 6-4 223 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Evan Frierson LB 6-2 217 - Washington, DC - 2*/2*
Hubie Graham TE 6-4 227 - Scranton , PA - 4*/4*
Donsay Hardeman DB 6-2 220 - Milledgeville, GA - 4*/4* - JUCO
Alfred Jenkins WR 6-0 170 - Jacksonville, FL - 4*/3*
Mikel LeShoure RB 6-0 220 - Champaign, IL - 3*/3*
Corey Lewis OL 6-6 278 - Cresco, PA - 2*/3*
Corey Liuget DT 6-3 260 - Hialeah, FL - 4*/4*
Whitney Mercilus DE 6-3 225 - Akron, OH - 2*/3*
[strike]Patrick Nixon ATH 5-10 180 - Jacksonville, FL - 3*/3* [/strike]
Nate Palmer LB 6-3 228 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Graham Pocic OL 6-7 316 - Lemont, IL - 4*/4*
Jack Ramsey ATH 5-11 182 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Tyler Sands OL 6-5 290 - Boyertown, PA - 3*/3*
Supo Sanni LB 6-3 197 - Homewood, IL - 3*/3*
Cordale Scott WR 6-3 200 - Cleveland, OH - 4*/4*
Ryan Sedlacek OL 6-4 292 - Westport, CT - 2*/2*
Justin Staples LB 6-4 215 - Lakewood, OH - 3*/3*
Fred Sykes WR 6-0 175 - Tampa, FL - 2*/3*
Ugochukwu Uzodinma DE 6-4 240 - Washington, DC - 2*/2*
Ashante Williams DB 5-10 191 - Mayfield, OH - 2*/2*
Tavon Wilson DB 6-0 179 - Washington, DC - 3*/3*
2007 recruiting Class
Scout.com - #20 class - 2-5*, 5-4*, 8-3*, 6-2*, 1-N/A - 3.14* average
Rivals.com - #20 class - 2-5*, 5-4*, 11-3*, 3-2*, 1-N/A - 3.29* average
Daryle Ballew DT 6-3 285 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/3*
Arrelious Benn WR 6-1 210 - Washington, D.C. - 5*/5*
Josh Brent DT 6-3 280 - Bloomington, IL - 4*/4*
Nathan Bussey ATH 6-2 202 - Washington, D.C. - 3*/3*
Jack Cornell Jr. OL 6-5 291 - Quincy, IL - 4*/3*
Daniel Dufrene RB 5-11 205 - Visalia, CA - 2*/3*
Clarence "Bo" Flowers QB 6-2 220 - Melrose Park, IL - N-A/N-A
[strike]Brian Gamble DB 5-11 185 - Massillon, OH - 3*/3* [/strike]
Mike Garrity OL 6-6 255 - Batavia, IL - 3*/3*
[strike]Phil Haig QB 6-3 185 - Inver Grove Heights, MN - 2*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Deries Hodge RB 6-0 213 - Harrisburg, PA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Mark Jackson OL 6-6 312 - Cincinnati, OH - 3*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Steve Matas DE 6-5 270 - Mentor, OH - 2*/3* [/strike]
[strike]D'Angelo McCray DT 6-4 289 - Jacksonville, FL - 4*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Anthony Morris DB 6-3 200 - Harvey, IL - 4*/4* [/strike]
Troy Pollard RB 5-8 177 - Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3*
[strike]Darius Purcell DB 5-10 210 - Chicago, IL - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Erique Robertson LB 5-10 207 - Maple Heights, OH - 3*/3* [/strike]
Ian Thomas LB 6-0 206 - Berwyn Heights, MD - 3*/2*
Marcus Thomas DB 5-11 157 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Craig Wilson OL 6-7 290 - Chatham, VA - 4*/4*
Martez Wilson DE 6-4 230 - Chicago, IL - 5*/5*
2006 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #28 class - 3-4*, 13-3*, 11-2* - 2.70* average
Rivals.com - #30 class - 6-4*, 12-3*, 9-2* - 2.89* average
Jon Asamoah OL 6-5 250 - Park Forest, IL - 2*/2*
Travon Bellamy DB 6-0 178 - Greenbelt, MD - 3*/3*
Jerry Brown DE 6-4 262 - St. Louis, MO - 3*/3*
Jeff Cumberland ATH 6-4 220 - Columbus, OH - 4*/4*
[strike]Vontae Davis DB 6-0 184 - Washington, D.C. - 3*/3* [/strike]
Chris Duvalt DB 5-10 159 - Lakeland, FL - 2*/4*
Garrett Edwards DB 6-2 192 - Downers Grove, IL - 3*/3*
Antonio Gully DB 6-0 175 - St. Louis, MO - 2*/2*
Dere Hicks DB 5-10 175 - Valley Forge, PA - 2*/2*
Michael Hoomanawanui TE 6-5 230 - Bloomington, IL - 2*/3*
Randall Hunt OL 6-6 286 - Wayne, PA - 3*/3*
Anterio Jackson LB 6-2 240 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3*
Antonio James DE 6-5 245 - Massillon, OH - 3*/3*
Chris James WR 6-0 177 - Chicago, IL - 3*/4*
Dustin Jefferson LB 6-0 203 - Kankakee, IL - 3*/3*
[strike]Brandon Jordan OL 6-5 290 - Merrillville, IN - 2*/2* [/strike]
Eddie McGee QB 6-4 189 - Washington, D.C. - 2*/2*
[strike]Joe Morgan WR 6-2 175 - Canton, OH - 3*/2* [/strike]
Clay Nurse DE 6-3 235 - Beltsville, MD -2*/2*
Ryan Palmer OL 6-6 274 - Canton, OH - 2*/2*
[strike]Justin Sanders DB 6-2 - Booneville, MS - 2*/3* - JUCO [/strike]
Rahkeem Smith LB 6-1 220 - Hargrave Prep, Chatham, VA - 4*/4*
[strike]Antonio Steele LB 6-2 215 - Long Beach, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO [/strike]
[strike]Marques Wilkins WR 6-0 182 - Decatur, IL - 3*/4* [/strike]
Isiah Williams QB 6-2 207 - Chicago, IL 4*/4*
Craig Wilson OL 6-5 290 - Harvey, IL - 2*/3* - Prep - See 2006
Kyle Yelton K 6-1 180 4.65 - Chesterton, IN - 3*/2*
2005 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #45 class - 2-5*, 1-4*, 5-3*, 11-2*, 1-1* - 2.60* average
Rivals.com - #51 class - 0-5*, 3-4*, 6-3*, 11-2*, 0-1* - 2.60* average
[strike]Ismail Abdunafi DT 6-4 285 - Bakersfield, CA - 5*/4* - JUCO [/strike]
[strike]William Bergen OL 6-4 260 - Tampa, FL - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Paul Blalock QB 6-0 190 - Aurora, IL - 3*/3* [/strike]
Eric Block OL 6-3 282 - New Orleans, LA - 2*/2*
[strike]Immanuel Chu DT 6-2 263 - Woodstock, GA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]William Davis ATH 6-2 208 - Greenbelt, MD - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Guesly Dervil ATH 5-11 180 - Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Kyle Hudson WR 5-11 149 - Mattoon, IL - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Gregory McClendon WR 6-2 207 - Columbus, GA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Derrick McPhearson WR 6-0 195 - Fork Union, VA - 4*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Rashard Mendenhall RB 6-0 190 - Skokie, IL - 5*/4* [/strike]
[strike]Brit Miller LB 6-1 230 - Decatur, IL - 3*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Michael Nabolotny TE 6-6 240 - Glenview, IL - 2*/2* [/strike]
Doug Pilcher DE 6-5 230 - Hinsdale, IL - 3*/3*
[strike]Rodney Pittman DE 6-2 190 - Fort Washington, MD - 1*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Sam Porter DE 6-1 221 - Chicago, IL - 3*/3* [/strike]
[strike]Trevor Scott OL 6-3 269 - Fort Valley, GA - 2*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Rahkeem Smith LB 6-1 213 - Villa Park, IL - 3*/3* - Prep - See 2006 [/strike]
[strike]Tremayne Walker DT 6-3 285 - Tallahassee, FL - 2*/2* [/strike]
Sirod Williams DE 6-0 226 - Garfield Heights, OH - 2*/2*
[strike]No longer on roster [/strike]
Early in the year, any look behind the numbers is a look at history, as there are no games to analyze. Late in the season, history gives way to a break-down of how the teams have done on the field. So with 1/4 of the season gone (for the Buckeyes anyway), we are in the grey area where we have a few games to analyze, but they are so few that a look at history might help to clarify the picture.
One of the things that needs to be clarified is whether Illinois' first game clunker against Missouri was the kind of aberration that occurs so frequently in the first week of the season or whether it was an indication of who the Illini really are this year. After that we'll move on to historical info that might shed light on this week's match-up. Finally, we will delve into this season's statistics to try to get a feel for who might prevail on Saturday.
History Of The Zooker
First Games
The first question before us is whether the 37-9 pounding that Illinois took from Missouri was a "first game aberration" or not. It is well known that some coaches do better in their first game of each season than others. To put it another way, some coaches are slow starters and some aren't. This allows us to rephrase the first question: Are Ron Zook teams typically slow starters?
To answer this question, the first game of each of Ron Zook's seasons as a head coach are shown below.
Turning our attention to this week's game, what makes it significant is that it is the first conference game for both teams. This begs the questions; "How has Zook done in conference openers?"
Zooker - with Time to Prepare
Apart from being a conference opener, the most salient feature of Saturday's game is that Illinois has had two weeks to prepare for the Buckeyes. The next question then is, "What has been Ron Zook's record when he's had time to prepare?" Perhaps more to the point, has he ever "Zooked" anyone when given extra time?
The Lighter Side One of the things that needs to be clarified is whether Illinois' first game clunker against Missouri was the kind of aberration that occurs so frequently in the first week of the season or whether it was an indication of who the Illini really are this year. After that we'll move on to historical info that might shed light on this week's match-up. Finally, we will delve into this season's statistics to try to get a feel for who might prevail on Saturday.
History Of The Zooker
First Games
The first question before us is whether the 37-9 pounding that Illinois took from Missouri was a "first game aberration" or not. It is well known that some coaches do better in their first game of each season than others. To put it another way, some coaches are slow starters and some aren't. This allows us to rephrase the first question: Are Ron Zook teams typically slow starters?
To answer this question, the first game of each of Ron Zook's seasons as a head coach are shown below.
- 2002 - UF: Beat Eastern Michigan
- 2003 - UF: Beat San Jose State
- 2004 - UF: Beat UAB
- 2005 - Illini: Beat Rutgers (only one other win in '05)
- 2006 - Illini: Beat Eastern Ill. (only one other win in '06)
- 2007 - Illini: Lost to Missouri
- 2008 - Illini: Lost to Missouri
- 2009 - Illini: Lost to Missouri
Note: Ron Zook's last name became a verb to describe the beating of an opponent that his otherwise average teams were not supposed to beat. This came to be as a result of the annual nature of such games.
Zooker - First Conference Games
Turning our attention to this week's game, what makes it significant is that it is the first conference game for both teams. This begs the questions; "How has Zook done in conference openers?"
- 2002 - UF: Beat Tennessee
- 2003 - UF: Lost to Tennessee
- 2004 - UF: Lost to Tennessee
- 2005 - Illini: Lost to Michigan State
- 2006 - Illini: Lost to Iowa
- 2007 - Illini: Beat Indiana
- 2008 - Illini: Lost to Penn State
- 2009 - Illini: ?
Zooker - with Time to Prepare
Apart from being a conference opener, the most salient feature of Saturday's game is that Illinois has had two weeks to prepare for the Buckeyes. The next question then is, "What has been Ron Zook's record when he's had time to prepare?" Perhaps more to the point, has he ever "Zooked" anyone when given extra time?
Bowl Games
If we include Bowl Games in the "time to prepare" discussion, then Ron Zook's record is less than stellar.
Regular Season
While none of the above can give us a conclusion that you would want to take to Las Vegas, it does gently steer us in the direction of a comfortable afternoon for the Buckeyes. This, obviously, can only hold true if it is their fans who believe this and not the players themselves.
2009
The only thing of note that was learned from the above is that the data from this year's games are probably meaningful. What is not known is just how good any of the opponents for either team were. But even with the limited data set afforded us this early in the season, there are some trends that spell trouble for the Illini.
Great Offense?
Illinois' offense was supposed to be the best in the conference this year. At least that's what all the "experts" expected. But the most charitable conclusion that can be drawn is that they have not fully gelled yet this year.
The Illini produced fewer points (9 vs. 12), yards (325 vs. 398) and first downs (18 vs. 22) against Missouri than did Furman. While some might suggest that Missouri took it easy on Furman, it is worth noting that both games were blowout wins for the Tigers.
On the other hand, Missouri was not able to take it easy on Bowling Green at all, as they only beat them 27-20. Even playing their 1st team defense for the whole game, they allowed BG more than twice as many points than the Illini scored, and only 5 fewer yards of offense.
Considering the explosiveness that was expected from the Blue and Orange offense this year, these comparisons to Furman and Bowling Green are troubling indeed. But the real trouble in Champaign this year is with the stop troops.
Defense? What Defense?
Bowling Green allowed Missouri 89 fewer yards than Illinois surrendered to them, and on 5 fewer plays. But it gets worse.
Illinois' other game this year was against FCS Ilinois State. Illinois gave up more yards to them than did either Eastern Illinois or Austin Peay. Again, some might cite the 45-17 final score as an indication that Illinois took it easy on their in state brethren, but Eastern Illinois beat those same in state brethren 31-6 and held them to 214 fewer yards.
And now redshirt freshman Evan Frierson is manning the middle in place of Martez Wilson. Perhaps the great philosopher Austin Powers said it best, "Ouch baby. Very ouch."
If we include Bowl Games in the "time to prepare" discussion, then Ron Zook's record is less than stellar.
- 2002 Season: Lost to TSUN
- 2003 Season: Lost to Iowa
- 2004 Season: Lost to Miami (Fla.)
- 2007 Season: Lost to USC
Regular Season
- 2002: "Zooked" UGA
- 2002: Lost to Florida State
- 2003: "Zooked" UGA
- 2004: n/a
- 2005: Crushed by Penn State (10-63)
- 2006: n/a
- 2007: n/a
- 2008: Lost to Penn State (24-38)
While none of the above can give us a conclusion that you would want to take to Las Vegas, it does gently steer us in the direction of a comfortable afternoon for the Buckeyes. This, obviously, can only hold true if it is their fans who believe this and not the players themselves.
2009
The only thing of note that was learned from the above is that the data from this year's games are probably meaningful. What is not known is just how good any of the opponents for either team were. But even with the limited data set afforded us this early in the season, there are some trends that spell trouble for the Illini.
Great Offense?
Illinois' offense was supposed to be the best in the conference this year. At least that's what all the "experts" expected. But the most charitable conclusion that can be drawn is that they have not fully gelled yet this year.
The Illini produced fewer points (9 vs. 12), yards (325 vs. 398) and first downs (18 vs. 22) against Missouri than did Furman. While some might suggest that Missouri took it easy on Furman, it is worth noting that both games were blowout wins for the Tigers.
On the other hand, Missouri was not able to take it easy on Bowling Green at all, as they only beat them 27-20. Even playing their 1st team defense for the whole game, they allowed BG more than twice as many points than the Illini scored, and only 5 fewer yards of offense.
Considering the explosiveness that was expected from the Blue and Orange offense this year, these comparisons to Furman and Bowling Green are troubling indeed. But the real trouble in Champaign this year is with the stop troops.
Defense? What Defense?
Bowling Green allowed Missouri 89 fewer yards than Illinois surrendered to them, and on 5 fewer plays. But it gets worse.
Illinois' other game this year was against FCS Ilinois State. Illinois gave up more yards to them than did either Eastern Illinois or Austin Peay. Again, some might cite the 45-17 final score as an indication that Illinois took it easy on their in state brethren, but Eastern Illinois beat those same in state brethren 31-6 and held them to 214 fewer yards.
And now redshirt freshman Evan Frierson is manning the middle in place of Martez Wilson. Perhaps the great philosopher Austin Powers said it best, "Ouch baby. Very ouch."
It's Illinois week! Aren't you excited?
Yeah, me neither. This alleged "rivalry" just doesn't get my blood boiling. Maybe it should. I mean, the Buckeyes have had a recent history of struggling with Illinois teams. Since 1988, Ohio State is just 10-9 against the Illini, and 3-7 at home. Even considering the Tressel era alone, it's mildly disturbing to realize that Tress is just 4-2 against the Illini, while he's 7-1 against Michigan. But, it just doesn't feel like a rivalry, does it? Even when you consider that the Ohio State - Illinois game used to be the season finale. Even when you consider that this Saturday will mark the first time since 1994 that the game has not been played in November, or that it's the first time it's ever been played prior to October, it just doesn't strike one as a "bring your A game as a fan" game does it? Speaking of fans and rivals, when Michigan posters come to BP to mouth off we all dig in, we're all ready to do some serious work to defend our program and trash theirs. But, when guys like "theKid" come to BP to puff their chests about Illinois, we all sorta laugh it off as "cute" at best and "annoying" at worst. It's like having a "rivalry" with you best friend's little brother. But, as we'll see below, not really, because even Illinois fans don't seem to much care where as your best friend's little brother might think he's got a chance.
Perhaps it's just a matter of karma, why this "rivalry" doesn't seem to feel like one. The Illi-Buck, which the Buckeyes and Illini will be cracking skulls for, was once a live turtle. The turtle itself was chosen as the trophy because it was to represent the rivalry's longevity, owing to the turtle's long life expectancy. Under this premise, the Buckeyes and Illini first played for the trophy in 1925. By 1927 the turtle was dead. Some long life, no? It sure does resemble the "rivalry" though.
Consider that Ohio State owns a 61-30-3 record against the Illini. When you also consider that in the first 17 meetings Illinois owned a 11-5-1 head to head record against the Buckeyes, you see that the Buckeyes are 56-19-2 since then. Take out the 9-10 mark from 1988 to the present and we're left with a "rivalry" record of 46-10-2. I don't know, do you beat a "rival" 80% of the time over a 58 year span? Or 73% of the time if we exclude the first 17 meetings? Or, even 66% of the time, if we consider the whole series? No. Beating an opponent 80% of the time means that opponent is a scheduled win. Ohio State beats Northwestern 80% of the time. Beating them 70% of the time means they're usually a win, but you should be careful. Ohio State beats Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Purdue about 70% of the time. Even beating them 66% of the time, as the Buckeyes actually have when we leave all games in to the analysis, pretty much means: hey don't screw this up and you're going to get the W.
And that's where we are this week. Don't screw it up, and get the W you're supposed to. Indeed, if a visit to the Illini scout.com message board is any indication, even Illinois fans appear reserved to the fact that the Ohio State game is more like a scheduled win for the Buckeyes than it is a slobberknocker like Ohio State - Michigan. If the latter, I'd expect to see blatant homerism, instead I see predictions from Illini fans of Ohio State 52, Illinois 17. And this in light of the fact that Illinois has talent. In light of the fact that Illinois has been quite a thorn in Ohio State's side for a number of years recently. Even in light of the fact that a wooden turtle is on the line. Even with those facts even they don't seem to consider this game a rivalry.
And neither should we, I guess. But, that said, Ohio State can ill afford to sleepwalk this week. If Ohio State can completely dismantle the #7 offense in the land, holding them to some 350 yards and 42 points below their average and still fall two spots in the AP poll, imagine what a loss to Illinois will mean. I can tell you this, there won't be many national writers wondering "Hmm... maybe we are holding Ohio State to a ridiculous standard when we rip Ohio State to shreds for losing to 6 top 3 teams and leave guys like Pete Carroll alone even though he's dropping games to the likes of unranked Washington and 41 point underdog Stanford on an annual basis." Lose to Illinois and the media won't continue to wonder "Why do we give OU a pass and not Ohio State?" as some writers have done this last week.
No. This game probably isn't a rivalry as I've discussed above. But, I think I just convinced myself that we should start treating it like one. Bring your A game to the 'Shoe this weekend, folks. I can't make you care about a wooden turtle, but Ohio State has some momentum in the media and a win is the only way to sustain it. I can't make you care about Ohio State - Illinois, but I know you already care about Ohio State's national reputation. And that's what's on the line this week - keeping some favorable media momentum rolling for the good-guys.
Besides, I have to wonder if Juice Williams has the intestinal fortitude to ignore 105,000 people screaming at him as hard as we all yelled at USC. Something tells me, "no" and I'd really like to see the result. So, it's Illinois week! Aren't you excited?
You should be.
Traditions & Opponent Perspective Yeah, me neither. This alleged "rivalry" just doesn't get my blood boiling. Maybe it should. I mean, the Buckeyes have had a recent history of struggling with Illinois teams. Since 1988, Ohio State is just 10-9 against the Illini, and 3-7 at home. Even considering the Tressel era alone, it's mildly disturbing to realize that Tress is just 4-2 against the Illini, while he's 7-1 against Michigan. But, it just doesn't feel like a rivalry, does it? Even when you consider that the Ohio State - Illinois game used to be the season finale. Even when you consider that this Saturday will mark the first time since 1994 that the game has not been played in November, or that it's the first time it's ever been played prior to October, it just doesn't strike one as a "bring your A game as a fan" game does it? Speaking of fans and rivals, when Michigan posters come to BP to mouth off we all dig in, we're all ready to do some serious work to defend our program and trash theirs. But, when guys like "theKid" come to BP to puff their chests about Illinois, we all sorta laugh it off as "cute" at best and "annoying" at worst. It's like having a "rivalry" with you best friend's little brother. But, as we'll see below, not really, because even Illinois fans don't seem to much care where as your best friend's little brother might think he's got a chance.
Perhaps it's just a matter of karma, why this "rivalry" doesn't seem to feel like one. The Illi-Buck, which the Buckeyes and Illini will be cracking skulls for, was once a live turtle. The turtle itself was chosen as the trophy because it was to represent the rivalry's longevity, owing to the turtle's long life expectancy. Under this premise, the Buckeyes and Illini first played for the trophy in 1925. By 1927 the turtle was dead. Some long life, no? It sure does resemble the "rivalry" though.
Consider that Ohio State owns a 61-30-3 record against the Illini. When you also consider that in the first 17 meetings Illinois owned a 11-5-1 head to head record against the Buckeyes, you see that the Buckeyes are 56-19-2 since then. Take out the 9-10 mark from 1988 to the present and we're left with a "rivalry" record of 46-10-2. I don't know, do you beat a "rival" 80% of the time over a 58 year span? Or 73% of the time if we exclude the first 17 meetings? Or, even 66% of the time, if we consider the whole series? No. Beating an opponent 80% of the time means that opponent is a scheduled win. Ohio State beats Northwestern 80% of the time. Beating them 70% of the time means they're usually a win, but you should be careful. Ohio State beats Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Purdue about 70% of the time. Even beating them 66% of the time, as the Buckeyes actually have when we leave all games in to the analysis, pretty much means: hey don't screw this up and you're going to get the W.
And that's where we are this week. Don't screw it up, and get the W you're supposed to. Indeed, if a visit to the Illini scout.com message board is any indication, even Illinois fans appear reserved to the fact that the Ohio State game is more like a scheduled win for the Buckeyes than it is a slobberknocker like Ohio State - Michigan. If the latter, I'd expect to see blatant homerism, instead I see predictions from Illini fans of Ohio State 52, Illinois 17. And this in light of the fact that Illinois has talent. In light of the fact that Illinois has been quite a thorn in Ohio State's side for a number of years recently. Even in light of the fact that a wooden turtle is on the line. Even with those facts even they don't seem to consider this game a rivalry.
And neither should we, I guess. But, that said, Ohio State can ill afford to sleepwalk this week. If Ohio State can completely dismantle the #7 offense in the land, holding them to some 350 yards and 42 points below their average and still fall two spots in the AP poll, imagine what a loss to Illinois will mean. I can tell you this, there won't be many national writers wondering "Hmm... maybe we are holding Ohio State to a ridiculous standard when we rip Ohio State to shreds for losing to 6 top 3 teams and leave guys like Pete Carroll alone even though he's dropping games to the likes of unranked Washington and 41 point underdog Stanford on an annual basis." Lose to Illinois and the media won't continue to wonder "Why do we give OU a pass and not Ohio State?" as some writers have done this last week.
No. This game probably isn't a rivalry as I've discussed above. But, I think I just convinced myself that we should start treating it like one. Bring your A game to the 'Shoe this weekend, folks. I can't make you care about a wooden turtle, but Ohio State has some momentum in the media and a win is the only way to sustain it. I can't make you care about Ohio State - Illinois, but I know you already care about Ohio State's national reputation. And that's what's on the line this week - keeping some favorable media momentum rolling for the good-guys.
Besides, I have to wonder if Juice Williams has the intestinal fortitude to ignore 105,000 people screaming at him as hard as we all yelled at USC. Something tells me, "no" and I'd really like to see the result. So, it's Illinois week! Aren't you excited?
You should be.
The Fighting Illini are very rich with traditions, old and new.
- Illinois hosted its first-ever home game Nov. 26, 1890.
[*]One of the most dramatic and dignified traditions in college athletics is the performance of Chief Illiniwek (pronounced "ill-EYE-nih-wek".) Since 1926, this symbol has stirred pride and respect in audiences at Memorial Stadium. Illiniwek was the name of the loose confederation of Algonquin tribes that once lived in the region. The French changed the ending to "ois" in naming what became the state of Illinois. Illiniwek means "they are men" (insert grunting noises here). In 2005, the NCAA termed Chief a "hostile or abusive" mascot and banned the university from playing host to postseason events as long as the chief was used as a symbol, so he no longer appears at official events.- The Illini have 3 trophy games, they are as follows:
1. "Illibuck" is (or was) a turtle, destined for long life, it was hoped. But the wear and tear of traveling between Champaign-Urbana and Columbus was too much, even for a hardy marine reptile. "Illibuck" died in the spring of 1927 and his successor is now a wooden replica. Members of two junior honorary societies, Bucket and Dipper of Ohio State and Sachem of Illinois, annually meet at halftime of the Fighting Illini-Buckeye game to present the "Illibuck" trophy to last year's winning school. In the past the ritual also included the smoking of a peace pipe. Ohio State will have the trophy returned on Saturday, due to the win in Champaign last year.
2. The "Cannon," more accurately known as the Purdue Cannon, made its first trip to Champaign-Urbana in 1905 when a group of Purdue students brought it to fire after a Boilermaker victory. Purdue won the game, 29-0, but the Cannon was never fired. Illinois student Quincy Hall found the Cannon hidden near the old Illinois Field. Hall and a group of Delta Upsilon brothers confiscated the Cannon and held it until 1943 when they donated it as a symbol of the Illinois-Purdue rivalry. Tomahawk Service and Leadership honorary at Purdue and Illini Pride of Illinois maintain the trophy when the respective school has won it. The Cannon was last fired Nov. 4, 2001, at the Illinois football complex following the Illini victory. The Boilers won back the trophy in 2003 and have retained possession of it for the last five years including a 42-31 win over Illinois in 2006. The teams did not play in 2007 or 2008.
3. The "Tomahawk." The story of the Illinois-Northwestern trophy dates back to 1945 when the staff members of the two student newspapers conceived the idea of a wooden Indian trophy, "Sweet Sioux." In September 1946, "Sweet Sioux" was stolen from a showcase at Northwestern. A Tomahawk Trophy was inaugurated in 1947 to replace the wooden Indian and has been used since. "Sweet Sioux" was found in 1948, but was discarded because of its bulk. The Illini reclaimed the trophy in 2007, but a Wildcat victory last year retuned it to Evanston.
[*]Shortly after the University opened in 1868, a military band was organized. The military band became the Concert Band, and gave its first formal concert in 1890. The University of Illinois Bands of today are the top of a pyramid of university band organizations, both concert and marching, which regularly enroll more than 700 students. The marching band will perform pregame and halftime shows at all seven home football games this year, as well as selected road games. The unique style of the Marching Illini has become famous, representing a combination of past traditions and exciting innovations. - For almost 100 years, the Illinois student cheering section known as "Block-I" has remained an innovative place of fun and excitement for young Illini Football fans. Beginning in 1910, Block-I was formed as a pep club for Illinois students at home games, providing entertainment and student interaction during Illinois athletic events. In 1924, Block-I took permanent residence in the east stands of Memorial Stadium and two years later, in 1926, became a visual staple among Memorial Stadium tradition with the performance of card stunts during the games by its members. From the 1950s to the '70s, a second Block-I performed in the west balcony of the stadium, mirroring the card stunts performed in the east stands. Beginning in 2004, Block-I merged with Illini Pride, the official student support group of all Illinois' 19 varsity sports.
- Block-I is comprised of students who value old Illini traditions while embracing new ones. They can still be found trampling to the beat of the Marching Illini's "William Tell Overture." During this song the students put their arms around one another and jump up and down. With the 2009 season marking its 99th year in existence, Block-I still remains the premier seating choice among students and a true example of Loyalty, Tradition, and Pride at Illinois.
[*]The Chief performs the dance with the Marching Illini during a performance known as the Three-in-One. The dance has two main parts, the downfield dance and the solo dance. The Three-in-One consists of three traditional University of Illinois songs: "Pride of the Illini"; "March of the Illini"; and the Alma Mater, "Hail to the Orange". This celebrated tradition has been performed at the conclusion of virtually every halftime show in Memorial Stadium for nearly 75 years.
[*]The Alma Mater, "Hail to the Orange", was written by H. R. Green and Harold V. Hill and is the third part of "Three-in-One". The Marching Illini sings "Hail to the Orange" a capella in four parts to close out the afternoon after marching back to the Harding Band Building following the game and at most formal concerts. The words are as follows:
"Hail to the Orange, Hail to the Blue,
Hail Alma Mater,
Ever so true (so true).
We love no other, so let our motto be
Victory, Illinois, Varsity!"
[*]After every score, the male cheerleaders do pushups that equal the score at that point in the game.
[*]At the conclusion of their games there is a bell that is rung for each point scored during the game.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) Founded in 1867
Football 1st Season: 1890
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Constructed: 1923 (Last renovation completed in 2008)
Seating Capacity: 62,872
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Conference: Independent 1890, Illinois Intercollegiate Football League 1891-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896
Colors: Orange and Blue
Mascot: Chief Illiniwek (now unofficial)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 15 Big Ten Titles: 1910*, 1914, 1915*, 1918*, 1919, 1923*, 1927, 1928, 1946, 1951, 1953*, 1963, 1983, 1990*, 2001 (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 23 (18 different players as of 2005)
College Hall-of-Famers: 15
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 6 (Dick Butkus, Harold 'Red' Grange, George Halas, Bobby Mitchell, Ray Nitschke, Hugh 'Shorty' Ray)
Award Winners: 2 Butkus Awards, 1 Butkus Silver Ann., 1 Walter Camp COY, 1 Sammy Baugh Trophy
National Championships: 4 Recognized National Championships - 1914, 1919, 1923, 1927
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-13 years, Coaches-13 years
Records Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Constructed: 1923 (Last renovation completed in 2008)
Seating Capacity: 62,872
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Conference: Independent 1890, Illinois Intercollegiate Football League 1891-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896
Colors: Orange and Blue
Mascot: Chief Illiniwek (now unofficial)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 15 Big Ten Titles: 1910*, 1914, 1915*, 1918*, 1919, 1923*, 1927, 1928, 1946, 1951, 1953*, 1963, 1983, 1990*, 2001 (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 23 (18 different players as of 2005)
College Hall-of-Famers: 15
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 6 (Dick Butkus, Harold 'Red' Grange, George Halas, Bobby Mitchell, Ray Nitschke, Hugh 'Shorty' Ray)
Award Winners: 2 Butkus Awards, 1 Butkus Silver Ann., 1 Walter Camp COY, 1 Sammy Baugh Trophy
National Championships: 4 Recognized National Championships - 1914, 1919, 1923, 1927
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-13 years, Coaches-13 years
All Time: 561-516-49 (.520)
Bowl Games: 6-9-0 (.429) Most recently a 14-49 loss to USC in the 2008 Rose Bowl
All Time vs the Big Ten: 303-353-33 (.464)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 30-61-4 (.337) The most recent meeting was a 30 to 20 win by the Bucks in Champaign in 2008.
Coach's Record: Ron Zook, 2005 - 2009, 19-31-0 (.380), Career mark of 42-45-0 (.483)
2008 Season: 5-7-0 (.417)
Aug 30 - L vs. Missouri 42-51 (St. Louis)
Sep 06 - W vs. Eastern Illinois (non-IA) 47-21
Sep 13 - W vs. La-Lafayette 20-17
Sep 27 - L at Penn State 24-38
Oct 04 - W at Michigan 45-20
Oct 11 - L vs. Minnesota 20-27
Oct 18 - W vs. Indiana 55-13
Oct 25 - L at Wisconsin 17-27
Nov 01 - W vs. Iowa 27-24
Nov 08 - L at Western Michigan 17-23
Nov 15 - L vs. Ohio State 20-30
Nov 22 - L at Northwestern 10-27
2009 Schedule
Sep 05 - L vs. Missouri 9-37 (St. Louis)
Sep 12 - W vs Illinois State 45-17
Sep 26 - at Ohio State
Oct 03 - vs. Penn State
Oct 10 - vs. Michigan State
Oct 17 - at Indiana
Oct 24 - at Purdue
Oct 31 - vs. Michigan
Nov 07 - at Minnesota
Nov 14 - vs. Northwestern
Nov 28 - at Cincinnati
Dec 05 - vs. Fresno State
Links Bowl Games: 6-9-0 (.429) Most recently a 14-49 loss to USC in the 2008 Rose Bowl
All Time vs the Big Ten: 303-353-33 (.464)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 30-61-4 (.337) The most recent meeting was a 30 to 20 win by the Bucks in Champaign in 2008.
Coach's Record: Ron Zook, 2005 - 2009, 19-31-0 (.380), Career mark of 42-45-0 (.483)
2008 Season: 5-7-0 (.417)
Aug 30 - L vs. Missouri 42-51 (St. Louis)
Sep 06 - W vs. Eastern Illinois (non-IA) 47-21
Sep 13 - W vs. La-Lafayette 20-17
Sep 27 - L at Penn State 24-38
Oct 04 - W at Michigan 45-20
Oct 11 - L vs. Minnesota 20-27
Oct 18 - W vs. Indiana 55-13
Oct 25 - L at Wisconsin 17-27
Nov 01 - W vs. Iowa 27-24
Nov 08 - L at Western Michigan 17-23
Nov 15 - L vs. Ohio State 20-30
Nov 22 - L at Northwestern 10-27
2009 Schedule
Sep 05 - L vs. Missouri 9-37 (St. Louis)
Sep 12 - W vs Illinois State 45-17
Sep 26 - at Ohio State
Oct 03 - vs. Penn State
Oct 10 - vs. Michigan State
Oct 17 - at Indiana
Oct 24 - at Purdue
Oct 31 - vs. Michigan
Nov 07 - at Minnesota
Nov 14 - vs. Northwestern
Nov 28 - at Cincinnati
Dec 05 - vs. Fresno State
Official Sites:
Official School Site - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Official Alumni Site - University of Illinois Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - Daily Illini
Official Athletic Site - Fighting Illini
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Inside Illini (Scout)
Message Boards - Orange & Blue News (Rivals)
Message Boards - Illinois (Sports-Boards)
Message Boards - Illini Board (Independent)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CFN
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - AOL
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - ATSH2H
Team Page - Covers
Blog - Illini Talk
Blog - 4th & Blog (down page - The News-Gazette)
Blog - Mark Tupper (Decatur Herald & Review)
Blog - Ronler Ramblings
Blog - L.A. Seitz of Chicago
Blog - The Illini Report
Blog - Chicago & Illini Sports
Blog - Eye on the Illini (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Blog - The Chief Perspective
Blog - Illini Sports Page
Blog - DI Sports Wrapup (Daily Illini)
Local News Sources:
Chicago Tribune - Local News
Chicago Sun Times - Local News
Quad City Times - Local News
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Local News
Chicago Daily Herald - Local News
Decatur Herald-Review - Local News
The News-Gazette - Local News
Illinois and Big 10 Conference Previews and Breakdowns:
2009 BigTen Prospectus (PDF) - BigTen
2009 Illinois Team Breakdowns - BigTen
2009 BigTen Media Guide - BigTen
2009 Illinois Team Page - Big Ten
2009 Illinois Schedule - Big Ten
2009 Illinois Roster - Big Ten
2008 Illinois Stats - Big Ten
2008 Illinois Stats (Big Ten Games) - Big Ten
2008 BigTen Overall Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2009 CFN Big Ten Preview - CFN
2009 CFN Preseason All-Big Ten Team - CFN
2009 CFN B10 Schedules & Predictions - CFN
2009 CFN B10 Team Capsules - CFN
2009 CFN B10 Unit Rankings - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Season WrapUp - CFN
2009 BigTen Football Preview - CollegeSports-Fans
2009 BigTen Football Preview - College Football Poll
2009 BigTen Football Preview - MSNBC
Preseason Rankings and Watch Lists Official Alumni Site - University of Illinois Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - Daily Illini
Official Athletic Site - Fighting Illini
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Inside Illini (Scout)
Message Boards - Orange & Blue News (Rivals)
Message Boards - Illinois (Sports-Boards)
Message Boards - Illini Board (Independent)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CFN
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - AOL
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - ATSH2H
Team Page - Covers
Blog - Illini Talk
Blog - 4th & Blog (down page - The News-Gazette)
Blog - Mark Tupper (Decatur Herald & Review)
Blog - Ronler Ramblings
Blog - L.A. Seitz of Chicago
Blog - The Illini Report
Blog - Chicago & Illini Sports
Blog - Eye on the Illini (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Blog - The Chief Perspective
Blog - Illini Sports Page
Blog - DI Sports Wrapup (Daily Illini)
Local News Sources:
Chicago Tribune - Local News
Chicago Sun Times - Local News
Quad City Times - Local News
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Local News
Chicago Daily Herald - Local News
Decatur Herald-Review - Local News
The News-Gazette - Local News
Illinois and Big 10 Conference Previews and Breakdowns:
2009 BigTen Prospectus (PDF) - BigTen
2009 Illinois Team Breakdowns - BigTen
2009 BigTen Media Guide - BigTen
2009 Illinois Team Page - Big Ten
2009 Illinois Schedule - Big Ten
2009 Illinois Roster - Big Ten
2008 Illinois Stats - Big Ten
2008 Illinois Stats (Big Ten Games) - Big Ten
2008 BigTen Overall Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2009 CFN Big Ten Preview - CFN
2009 CFN Preseason All-Big Ten Team - CFN
2009 CFN B10 Schedules & Predictions - CFN
2009 CFN B10 Team Capsules - CFN
2009 CFN B10 Unit Rankings - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Season WrapUp - CFN
2009 BigTen Football Preview - CollegeSports-Fans
2009 BigTen Football Preview - College Football Poll
2009 BigTen Football Preview - MSNBC
Unranked in AP and Coaches Preseason Polls
Walter Camp POY - Arrelious Benn
Biletnikoff - Arrelious Benn
Maxwell POY - Arelious Benn, Juice Williams
Davey O-Brien - Juice Williams
Johnny Unitas - Juice Williams
Outland - Jon Asamoah
Mackey - Michael Hoomanawanui
Hendricks - Doug Pilcher
Butkus - Martez Wilson (since injured)
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:Walter Camp POY - Arrelious Benn
Biletnikoff - Arrelious Benn
Maxwell POY - Arelious Benn, Juice Williams
Davey O-Brien - Juice Williams
Johnny Unitas - Juice Williams
Outland - Jon Asamoah
Mackey - Michael Hoomanawanui
Hendricks - Doug Pilcher
Butkus - Martez Wilson (since injured)
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
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