3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Coach's Site - CoachRonZook.com
Official School Bio - Ron Zook
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Mike Locksley - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Reggie Mitchell - Asst Head Coach/Recruiting/Running Backs
Dan Disch - Spec. Tms./LB Coach/Interim Co-Def. Coor
Curt Mallory - DB Coach; interim Co-Def. Coordinator
Tom Sims - Defensive Line Coach
Eric Wolford - Offensive Line Coach
Mike Woodford - Special Teams Coordinator
Kurt Beathard - Outside Receivers Coach
Lou Hernandez - Strength & Conditioning Coach
Jim Pry - Inside Receivers Coach
Greg Bruner - Video Director
Trent Chesnut - Head Football Equipment Manager
Byron Cunningham - Head Football Athletic Trainer
Mike Degory - Offense Graduate Assistant
Bobbi Duval - Associate Recruiting Coordinator
Kristin Kane - Academic Counselor
Casey Ludwig - Asst. Recruiting Coordinator
Adrian Melendez - Director of Football Operations
Chris Pazan - Video Graduate Assistant
Steve Sigler - Defense Graduate Assistant
Coach's Site - CoachRonZook.com
Official School Bio - Ron Zook
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Mike Locksley - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Reggie Mitchell - Asst Head Coach/Recruiting/Running Backs
Dan Disch - Spec. Tms./LB Coach/Interim Co-Def. Coor
Curt Mallory - DB Coach; interim Co-Def. Coordinator
Tom Sims - Defensive Line Coach
Eric Wolford - Offensive Line Coach
Mike Woodford - Special Teams Coordinator
Kurt Beathard - Outside Receivers Coach
Lou Hernandez - Strength & Conditioning Coach
Jim Pry - Inside Receivers Coach
Greg Bruner - Video Director
Trent Chesnut - Head Football Equipment Manager
Byron Cunningham - Head Football Athletic Trainer
Mike Degory - Offense Graduate Assistant
Bobbi Duval - Associate Recruiting Coordinator
Kristin Kane - Academic Counselor
Casey Ludwig - Asst. Recruiting Coordinator
Adrian Melendez - Director of Football Operations
Chris Pazan - Video Graduate Assistant
Steve Sigler - Defense Graduate Assistant
Recruiting
Starters Returning: 20 (Offense 9, Defense 9, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Returning: 45 (Offense 20, Defense 21, Special Teams 4)
Notable Returners:
LT Akim Millington, LG Martin O'Donnell, C Ryan McDonald, RT Charles Myles, TE Jeff Cumberland, WR Kyle Hudson, WR Chris James, FB Russ Weil, QB Isiah "Juice" Williams, DE Derek Walker, DT Chris Norwell, DE Doug Pilcher, LB J Leman, LB Brit Miller, LB Antonio Steele, CB Vontae Davis, S Justin Harrison, S Kevin Mitchell, K Jason Reda, P Kyle Yelton
Starters Lost: 4 (Offense 2, Defense 2, Special Teams 0)
Letterman Lost: 14 (Offense 10, Defense 4, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses:
RG Matt Maddox, RB Pierre Thomas, DT Josh Norris, CB Alan Ball
Incoming Recruits:
Letterman Returning: 45 (Offense 20, Defense 21, Special Teams 4)
Notable Returners:
LT Akim Millington, LG Martin O'Donnell, C Ryan McDonald, RT Charles Myles, TE Jeff Cumberland, WR Kyle Hudson, WR Chris James, FB Russ Weil, QB Isiah "Juice" Williams, DE Derek Walker, DT Chris Norwell, DE Doug Pilcher, LB J Leman, LB Brit Miller, LB Antonio Steele, CB Vontae Davis, S Justin Harrison, S Kevin Mitchell, K Jason Reda, P Kyle Yelton
Starters Lost: 4 (Offense 2, Defense 2, Special Teams 0)
Letterman Lost: 14 (Offense 10, Defense 4, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses:
RG Matt Maddox, RB Pierre Thomas, DT Josh Norris, CB Alan Ball
Incoming Recruits:
Illinois Fighting Illini Past Recruiting Classes
2004 Class
**S Jarvis Newson (Columbia HS) Decatur, GA 6-0/185
**CB Anthony Brodnax (Lakeside HS) Atlanta, GA 6-1/180
**WR Bryant Creamer (Simeon Vocational HS) Chicago, IL 6-2/185
**QB Kisan Flakes (Lovejoy HS) Lovejoy, GA 6-1/192
**WR Andre Young (North Augusta HS) North Augusta, SC 6-5/190
QB Billy Garza (Porter HS) Brownsville, TX 6-2/210
**WR Jody Ellis (Evanston Twp HS) Evanston, IL 6-1/185
**S Charles Bailey (Northrop HS) Ft. Wayne, IN 6-0/195
**DE Jeff Sobol (Herculaneum HS) Herculaneum, MO 6-3/255
**WR Alex Stroud (De La Salle HS) Concord, CA 6-1/180
**OL Tony Sparkman (Wayzata SHS) Plymouth, MN 6-4/285
LB Sam Carson (South HS) Downers Grove, IL 6-2/230
OL Ryan McDonald (West Ottawa HS) Holland, MI 6-5/260
K Jason Reda (Rock Island HS) Rock Island, IL 6-2/195
P Kyle Knezetic (Minooka Community HS) Minooka, IL 6-1/195
**TE J.R. Kraemer (Lafayette SHS) Ballwin, MO 6-5/212
RB Walter Mendenhall (Niles West HS) Skokie, IL 6-0/195
S Justin Harrison (Bloomington HS) Bloomington, IL 5-11/190
OL Dan Motuliak (Jefferson HS) Lafayette, IN 6-4/275
DT Xavier Fulton (Homewood-Flossmoor HS) Flossmoor, IL 6-5/265
DE Derek Walker (Glenbard East HS) Lombard, IL 6-4/240
**RB Brock Bolen (Valley View HS) Germantown, OH 6-0/230
**LB Remond Willis (Central HS) New Madrid, MO 6-1/219
LB Russ Weil (Minooka Community HS) Minooka, IL 6-0/225
**No Longer With Team
Fun Facts:
The Fighting Illini class of 2004 was ranked 44th in the country by Scout.com and 50th by Rivals.com. Scout tabbed the class as the 8th best haul in the Big-10, while Rivals placed it 9th ...
The class was headlined by 3-star prospects Xavier Fulton (#25 DT by Scout.com), Brock Bolen (#28 RB), and Sam Carson (#65 LB). Bolen, who spurned a FB offer from Ohio St. to play RB for the Illini, has since transferred to Louisville (where he is a FB) ...
Sam Carson is the cousin of former Chicago Cubs OF Roosevelt Brown ...
Ryan McDonald's father Phil played C for the Illini from 1974-76 ...
Walter Mendenhall is the older brother of starting RB Rashard Mendenhall ...
Justin Harrison's cousin, Eric Wright, played CB for the San Francisco 49ers in the 80's and early 90's ...
2005 Recruiting Class
**WR Derrick McPhearson (Fork Union Military) Fork Union, VA 5-11/185
**DT Ismail Abdunafi (Bakersfield JC) Bakersfield, CA 6-4/285
DL William Davis (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) Greenbelt, MD 6-3/215
OL Eric Block (Jesuit HS) New Orleans, LA 6-3/265
LB Sirod Williams (Garfield Heights HS) Garfield Heights, OH 6-0/225
**LB Sam Porter (Morgan Park HS) Chicago, IL 6-1/235
**OL Trevor Scott (Peach County HS) Fort Valley, GA 6-2.5/260
**CB Guesly Dervil (Edward H. White HS) Jacksonville, FL 5-11/175
**DT Tremayne Walker (James Rickards HS) Tallahassee, FL 6-3/285
OL Will Bergen (Middleton HS) Tampa, FL 6-3/250
WR Gregory McClendon (Carver HS) Columbus, GA 6-2/207
**DT Immanuel Chu (Woodstock HS) Woodstock, GA 6-2/285
TE Mike Nabolotny (Glenbrook South HS) Glenview, IL 6-5/245
DE Doug Pilcher (Hinsdale Central HS) Hinsdale, IL 6-5/235
WR Kyle Hudson (Mattoon HS) Mattoon, IL 5-11/150
LB Brit Miller (Eisenhower HS) Decatur, IL 6-1/234
**QB Paul Blalock (Waubonsie Valley HS) Aurora, IL 6-0/190
RB Rashard Mendenhall (Niles West HS) Skokie, IL 5-11/203
Fun Facts:
The Illini class of 2005 was rated as the 45th class in the nation by Scout.com and 51st by Rivals.com. Both ratings were good enough for 8th in the Big-10 ...
The class was headlined by 5-star prospects Rashard Mendenhall (#6 RB) and Ismail Abdunafi (#2 JUCO DT) and 4-star prospect Derrick McPhearson (#8 WR) ...
Rashard Mendenhall played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ...
Kyle Hudson also doubles as the starting CF on the Illini baseball team ...
2006 Recruiting Class
CB Vontae Davis (Dunbar HS) Washington, DC 5-11/185
CB Chris Duvalt (Lake Gibson SHS) Lakeland, FL 5-11/171
TE Jeff Cumberland (Brookhaven HS) Columbus, OH 6-4/221
S Travon Bellamy (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) Greenbelt, MD 6-0/185
CB Antonio Gully (Cardinal Ritter College Prep) St. Louis, MO 5-11/175
OL Craig Wilson (Thornton Twp HS) Harvey, IL 6-5/290
OL Jon Asamoah (Rich East Campus HS) Park Forest, IL 6-4/270
WR Joe Morgan (McKinley HS) Canton, OH 6-2/175
DE Clay Nurse (High Point HS) Beltsville, MD 6-3/235
S Dere Hicks (Valley Forge Military) Wayne, PA 5-10/170
OL Randall Hunt (Valley Forge Military) Wayne, PA 6-5/285
LB Antonio Steele (Long Beach JC) Long Beach, CA 6-2/215
S Justin Sanders (Northeast Mississippi JC) Booneville, MS 6-2/195
P Kyle Yelton (Chesterton SHS) Chesterton, IN 6-1/180
QB Eddie McGee (Woodson HS) Washington, DC 6-5/200
OL Ryan Palmer (GlenOak HS) Canton, OH 6-7/280
LB Rahkeem Smith (Willowbrook HS) Villa Park, IL 6-2/220
TE Michael Hoomanawanui (Central Catholic HS) Bloomington, IL 6-4/235
S Garrett Edwards (North HS) Downers Grove, IL 6-2/200
LB Anterio Jackson (Fenger Academy HS) Chicago, IL 6-3/240
DE Jerry Brown (Vashon HS) St. Louis, MO 6-4.5/258
WR Marques Wilkins (MacArthur HS) Decatur, IL 6-1/190
DE Antonio James (Washington HS) Massillon, OH 6-5/245
LB Dustin Jefferson (Kankakee HS) Kankakee, IL 6-1/205
QB Juice Williams (Chicago Vocational HS) Chicago, IL 6-2/220
WR Chris James (Morgan Park HS) Chicago, IL 6-0/185
OL Brandon Jordan (Merrillville HS) Merrillville, IN 6-4.5/285
Fun Facts:
The Fighting Illini class of 2006 was ranked 28th in the nation by Scout.com and 30th by Rivals.com. Both sites rated the class 4th best in the Big-10 ...
The class was headlined by 4-star recruits Juice Williams (#6 QB), Jeff Cumberland (#14 TE), and Rahkeem Smith (#17 LB) ...
Vontae Davis's brother, Vernon, was the 6th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers ...
Antonio Steele is the brother of Markus Steele who played LB for USC and three years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys ...
Justin Sanders's father, John, played six years in the NFL, three for the New England Patriots and three with the Philadelphia Eagles ...
Ryan Palmer was a teammate of Buckeye WR Brian Hartline at GlenOak H.S ...
2007 Recruiting Class
QB Phil Haig (Henry Sibley SHS) Mendota Heights, MN 6-3/180
**RB Deries Hodge (Harrisburg HS) Harrisburg, PA 5-11/210
DT Josh Brent (Central Catholic HS) Bloomington, IL 6-3/300
DE Martez Wilson (Simeon Vocational HS) Chicago, IL 6-4/228
OT Jack Cornell (Quincy ND HS) Quincy, IL 6-7/305
DT D'Angelo McCray (Andrew Jackson HS) Jacksonville, FL 6-4/290
RB Daniel Dufrene (College of the Sequoias) Visalia, CA 5-11/205
LB Erique Robertson (Maple Heights SHS) Maple Heights, OH 5-11/210
C Mark Jackson (Harmony Community School) Cincinnati, OH 6-5/290
S Darius Purcell (Hubbard HS) Chicago, IL 5-11/215
LB Ian Thomas (Dematha Catholic HS) Hyattsville, MD 6-0/200
S Brian Gamble (Washington HS) Massillon, OH 6-0/190
RB Troy Pollard (Andrew Jackson HS) Jacksonville, FL 5-8/175
WR Arrelious Benn (Dunbar HS) Washington, DC 6-2/205
WR Anthony Morris (Thornton Twp HS) Harvey, IL 6-3/200
**DE Steve Matas (Mentor HS) Mentor, OH 6-5/255
OL Craig Wilson (Hargrave Military) Chatham, VA 6-5/300
CB Marcus Thomas (Morgan Park HS) Chicago, IL 5-11.5/160
DT Daryle Ballew (Withrow HS) Cincinnati, OH 6-3/285
OT Mike Garrity (Batavia SHS) Batavia, IL 6-6/270
S Nathan Bussey (Dunbar HS) Washington, DC 6-2/203
Fun Facts:
The Illini class of 2007 was ranked 20th in the country by both Scout.com and Rivals.com. Scout ranked the class 4th in the Big-10 while Rivals tabbed it as 3rd best ...
The class was headlined by 5-star prospects Arrelious Benn (#2 WR) and Martez Wilson (#2 DE) and 4-star prospects D'Angelo McCray (#9 DT) and Josh Brent (#13 DT) ...
D'Angelo McCray, Martez Wilson, and Arrelious Benn all played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ...
2004 Class
**S Jarvis Newson (Columbia HS) Decatur, GA 6-0/185
**CB Anthony Brodnax (Lakeside HS) Atlanta, GA 6-1/180
**WR Bryant Creamer (Simeon Vocational HS) Chicago, IL 6-2/185
**QB Kisan Flakes (Lovejoy HS) Lovejoy, GA 6-1/192
**WR Andre Young (North Augusta HS) North Augusta, SC 6-5/190
QB Billy Garza (Porter HS) Brownsville, TX 6-2/210
**WR Jody Ellis (Evanston Twp HS) Evanston, IL 6-1/185
**S Charles Bailey (Northrop HS) Ft. Wayne, IN 6-0/195
**DE Jeff Sobol (Herculaneum HS) Herculaneum, MO 6-3/255
**WR Alex Stroud (De La Salle HS) Concord, CA 6-1/180
**OL Tony Sparkman (Wayzata SHS) Plymouth, MN 6-4/285
LB Sam Carson (South HS) Downers Grove, IL 6-2/230
OL Ryan McDonald (West Ottawa HS) Holland, MI 6-5/260
K Jason Reda (Rock Island HS) Rock Island, IL 6-2/195
P Kyle Knezetic (Minooka Community HS) Minooka, IL 6-1/195
**TE J.R. Kraemer (Lafayette SHS) Ballwin, MO 6-5/212
RB Walter Mendenhall (Niles West HS) Skokie, IL 6-0/195
S Justin Harrison (Bloomington HS) Bloomington, IL 5-11/190
OL Dan Motuliak (Jefferson HS) Lafayette, IN 6-4/275
DT Xavier Fulton (Homewood-Flossmoor HS) Flossmoor, IL 6-5/265
DE Derek Walker (Glenbard East HS) Lombard, IL 6-4/240
**RB Brock Bolen (Valley View HS) Germantown, OH 6-0/230
**LB Remond Willis (Central HS) New Madrid, MO 6-1/219
LB Russ Weil (Minooka Community HS) Minooka, IL 6-0/225
**No Longer With Team
Fun Facts:
The Fighting Illini class of 2004 was ranked 44th in the country by Scout.com and 50th by Rivals.com. Scout tabbed the class as the 8th best haul in the Big-10, while Rivals placed it 9th ...
The class was headlined by 3-star prospects Xavier Fulton (#25 DT by Scout.com), Brock Bolen (#28 RB), and Sam Carson (#65 LB). Bolen, who spurned a FB offer from Ohio St. to play RB for the Illini, has since transferred to Louisville (where he is a FB) ...
Sam Carson is the cousin of former Chicago Cubs OF Roosevelt Brown ...
Ryan McDonald's father Phil played C for the Illini from 1974-76 ...
Walter Mendenhall is the older brother of starting RB Rashard Mendenhall ...
Justin Harrison's cousin, Eric Wright, played CB for the San Francisco 49ers in the 80's and early 90's ...
2005 Recruiting Class
**WR Derrick McPhearson (Fork Union Military) Fork Union, VA 5-11/185
**DT Ismail Abdunafi (Bakersfield JC) Bakersfield, CA 6-4/285
DL William Davis (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) Greenbelt, MD 6-3/215
OL Eric Block (Jesuit HS) New Orleans, LA 6-3/265
LB Sirod Williams (Garfield Heights HS) Garfield Heights, OH 6-0/225
**LB Sam Porter (Morgan Park HS) Chicago, IL 6-1/235
**OL Trevor Scott (Peach County HS) Fort Valley, GA 6-2.5/260
**CB Guesly Dervil (Edward H. White HS) Jacksonville, FL 5-11/175
**DT Tremayne Walker (James Rickards HS) Tallahassee, FL 6-3/285
OL Will Bergen (Middleton HS) Tampa, FL 6-3/250
WR Gregory McClendon (Carver HS) Columbus, GA 6-2/207
**DT Immanuel Chu (Woodstock HS) Woodstock, GA 6-2/285
TE Mike Nabolotny (Glenbrook South HS) Glenview, IL 6-5/245
DE Doug Pilcher (Hinsdale Central HS) Hinsdale, IL 6-5/235
WR Kyle Hudson (Mattoon HS) Mattoon, IL 5-11/150
LB Brit Miller (Eisenhower HS) Decatur, IL 6-1/234
**QB Paul Blalock (Waubonsie Valley HS) Aurora, IL 6-0/190
RB Rashard Mendenhall (Niles West HS) Skokie, IL 5-11/203
Fun Facts:
The Illini class of 2005 was rated as the 45th class in the nation by Scout.com and 51st by Rivals.com. Both ratings were good enough for 8th in the Big-10 ...
The class was headlined by 5-star prospects Rashard Mendenhall (#6 RB) and Ismail Abdunafi (#2 JUCO DT) and 4-star prospect Derrick McPhearson (#8 WR) ...
Rashard Mendenhall played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ...
Kyle Hudson also doubles as the starting CF on the Illini baseball team ...
2006 Recruiting Class
CB Vontae Davis (Dunbar HS) Washington, DC 5-11/185
CB Chris Duvalt (Lake Gibson SHS) Lakeland, FL 5-11/171
TE Jeff Cumberland (Brookhaven HS) Columbus, OH 6-4/221
S Travon Bellamy (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) Greenbelt, MD 6-0/185
CB Antonio Gully (Cardinal Ritter College Prep) St. Louis, MO 5-11/175
OL Craig Wilson (Thornton Twp HS) Harvey, IL 6-5/290
OL Jon Asamoah (Rich East Campus HS) Park Forest, IL 6-4/270
WR Joe Morgan (McKinley HS) Canton, OH 6-2/175
DE Clay Nurse (High Point HS) Beltsville, MD 6-3/235
S Dere Hicks (Valley Forge Military) Wayne, PA 5-10/170
OL Randall Hunt (Valley Forge Military) Wayne, PA 6-5/285
LB Antonio Steele (Long Beach JC) Long Beach, CA 6-2/215
S Justin Sanders (Northeast Mississippi JC) Booneville, MS 6-2/195
P Kyle Yelton (Chesterton SHS) Chesterton, IN 6-1/180
QB Eddie McGee (Woodson HS) Washington, DC 6-5/200
OL Ryan Palmer (GlenOak HS) Canton, OH 6-7/280
LB Rahkeem Smith (Willowbrook HS) Villa Park, IL 6-2/220
TE Michael Hoomanawanui (Central Catholic HS) Bloomington, IL 6-4/235
S Garrett Edwards (North HS) Downers Grove, IL 6-2/200
LB Anterio Jackson (Fenger Academy HS) Chicago, IL 6-3/240
DE Jerry Brown (Vashon HS) St. Louis, MO 6-4.5/258
WR Marques Wilkins (MacArthur HS) Decatur, IL 6-1/190
DE Antonio James (Washington HS) Massillon, OH 6-5/245
LB Dustin Jefferson (Kankakee HS) Kankakee, IL 6-1/205
QB Juice Williams (Chicago Vocational HS) Chicago, IL 6-2/220
WR Chris James (Morgan Park HS) Chicago, IL 6-0/185
OL Brandon Jordan (Merrillville HS) Merrillville, IN 6-4.5/285
Fun Facts:
The Fighting Illini class of 2006 was ranked 28th in the nation by Scout.com and 30th by Rivals.com. Both sites rated the class 4th best in the Big-10 ...
The class was headlined by 4-star recruits Juice Williams (#6 QB), Jeff Cumberland (#14 TE), and Rahkeem Smith (#17 LB) ...
Vontae Davis's brother, Vernon, was the 6th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers ...
Antonio Steele is the brother of Markus Steele who played LB for USC and three years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys ...
Justin Sanders's father, John, played six years in the NFL, three for the New England Patriots and three with the Philadelphia Eagles ...
Ryan Palmer was a teammate of Buckeye WR Brian Hartline at GlenOak H.S ...
2007 Recruiting Class
QB Phil Haig (Henry Sibley SHS) Mendota Heights, MN 6-3/180
**RB Deries Hodge (Harrisburg HS) Harrisburg, PA 5-11/210
DT Josh Brent (Central Catholic HS) Bloomington, IL 6-3/300
DE Martez Wilson (Simeon Vocational HS) Chicago, IL 6-4/228
OT Jack Cornell (Quincy ND HS) Quincy, IL 6-7/305
DT D'Angelo McCray (Andrew Jackson HS) Jacksonville, FL 6-4/290
RB Daniel Dufrene (College of the Sequoias) Visalia, CA 5-11/205
LB Erique Robertson (Maple Heights SHS) Maple Heights, OH 5-11/210
C Mark Jackson (Harmony Community School) Cincinnati, OH 6-5/290
S Darius Purcell (Hubbard HS) Chicago, IL 5-11/215
LB Ian Thomas (Dematha Catholic HS) Hyattsville, MD 6-0/200
S Brian Gamble (Washington HS) Massillon, OH 6-0/190
RB Troy Pollard (Andrew Jackson HS) Jacksonville, FL 5-8/175
WR Arrelious Benn (Dunbar HS) Washington, DC 6-2/205
WR Anthony Morris (Thornton Twp HS) Harvey, IL 6-3/200
**DE Steve Matas (Mentor HS) Mentor, OH 6-5/255
OL Craig Wilson (Hargrave Military) Chatham, VA 6-5/300
CB Marcus Thomas (Morgan Park HS) Chicago, IL 5-11.5/160
DT Daryle Ballew (Withrow HS) Cincinnati, OH 6-3/285
OT Mike Garrity (Batavia SHS) Batavia, IL 6-6/270
S Nathan Bussey (Dunbar HS) Washington, DC 6-2/203
Fun Facts:
The Illini class of 2007 was ranked 20th in the country by both Scout.com and Rivals.com. Scout ranked the class 4th in the Big-10 while Rivals tabbed it as 3rd best ...
The class was headlined by 5-star prospects Arrelious Benn (#2 WR) and Martez Wilson (#2 DE) and 4-star prospects D'Angelo McCray (#9 DT) and Josh Brent (#13 DT) ...
D'Angelo McCray, Martez Wilson, and Arrelious Benn all played in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl ...
Behind the Numbers
Through the Looking Glass
While most of the 2006 season was scripted by Jim Tressel and acted beautifully by Troy Smith and Friends; last year's game against Illinois had the appearance of having been scripted by Lewis Carroll and acted by a little girl whose name may or may not have been Alice. How did a defense that had given up at least 20 points to every Div. IA opponent surrender only 17 to Troy Smith and the Buckeyes? How did OSU not score more than Eastern Illinois had scored in Memorial Stadium?
Well, our journey through Wonderland may have come to an end, because it appears that we are indeed approaching the 2007 Illinois game as if through a mirror.
And as the game draws nearer, the reflection becomes more immediate: For both teams, the losing team in each of their three most recent games has scored exactly 17 points. Granted, the mirror loses some of its luster when you observe that Illinois lost one of their last three. But perhaps that's just another sign that we're not in Wonderland anymore.
That's a good thing, because here in the real world, the Illini do not match-up with the Buckeyes at all.
Curiouser and Curiouser (not)
Indeed, it seems that Jim Tressel has restored order to the world since his arrival. By the time this game is played, it will have been over 25 months since OSU lost a Big Ten game. Further, it will have been just as long since Michigan lost a conference game to a team not named the Buckeyes. God is in his heaven and all is right with the world.
Sadly, the long nightmare of struggling with Wisconsin and Illinois had enough momentum to reach into the JT era. But one of those affronts to the natural order was relegated to the history books last week, and now it is time to put the Illini back in their place. There really is no reason to think that it won't happen.
The Match-Up
There are two things that a team needs to stop a speed-option team like Illinois: speed and discipline. Quick, describe the OSU defense in two words ... Exactly.
Iowa has a terrible defensive backfield. But they matched up well with Illinois and have built on the confidence gained from that game. OSU is something wholly other than terrible in the backfield, and the front 7 match up with the Illini better than the Hawkeyes did.
Even when you consider the position of this game between the Wisconsin and Michigan games, even when you consider that OSU has just played 3 physical running teams in a row and now faces the best rushing offense in the conference, even when you consider that the OSU defense is coming off of their worst game of the season; none of the intangibles makes up for the fact that OSU has a defense that appears to be custom-made to stop Illinois.
And don't underestimate the hunger of the Buckeye Stop Troops to redeem themselves for their uncharacteristically poor showing against Wisconsin. They allowed the Badgers a passing efficiency of 157.32! No other team has come within 50 points of that number against the Buckeyes, and the Buckeyes have responded very well when challenged this year.
Mark it down, Juice Williams will have a passer efficiency of less than 90 in this game. DSA suggests that this will be true, and that is without considering the Buckeyes gunning for redemption in the 'Shoe.
Speaking of DSA ...
Differential Statistical Analysis (DSA) is just a method of determing how much better a team is than the other teams its opponents have played. DSA is expressed as a percentage. If your Differential Scoring Defense (DSD) is 50%, that is just the DSA way of saying that teams score half as much against you as they do against every one else.
A DSA percentage can be calculated for every statistic, and then combined with an upcoming opponents stats to produce "predictions" for the upcoming game. For reasons previously stated, it is to be expected that Ohio State will outperform the following DSA predictions:
SCORE:
YARDS:
RUSHING YARDS:
PASSING EFFICIENCY:
Speaking of Redemption
It has already been shown that there is reason to believe that the DSA prediction for Illinois' passing efficiency is the upper bound for the number they'll actually achieve. I believe the prediction for OSU is a lower bound, and for similar reasons.
Todd Boeckman started well against Wisconsin, well enough that the Badgers were forced to take a hat out of the box. Todd and the receivers are itching to get back on a roll, and with the giant bulls-eye that is now on Beanie's back;OSU is poised to have a huge day through the air on Saturday.
And Illinois' performances against the average quarterbacks they've faced give no reason to believe they can slow down the Buckeye aerial attack. They have held bad quarterbacks to very low passing numbers, but average quarterbacks have actually exceeded their season-long averages against the Illini. Numbers against good quarterbacks would be provided, but Illinois has not faced any. Well, they haven't faced any until Saturday anyway.
Conclusion
So while the defense is set up for what could be their best performance of the year, there is reason to believe that the offense will keep up with them. It may not be the kind of day where single-game records are set but ... well, then again, it just might be.
Either way, it will be a day that Illinois won't soon forget. This is our conference Illinois. Welcome to our world, but don't get comfortable. You only get to visit.
While most of the 2006 season was scripted by Jim Tressel and acted beautifully by Troy Smith and Friends; last year's game against Illinois had the appearance of having been scripted by Lewis Carroll and acted by a little girl whose name may or may not have been Alice. How did a defense that had given up at least 20 points to every Div. IA opponent surrender only 17 to Troy Smith and the Buckeyes? How did OSU not score more than Eastern Illinois had scored in Memorial Stadium?
Well, our journey through Wonderland may have come to an end, because it appears that we are indeed approaching the 2007 Illinois game as if through a mirror.
- 2007: Ohio State has just played Penn State and Wisconsin (at home, 55 total points scored)
- 2006: Illinois had just played Penn State and Wisconsin (away, 54 total points scored)
- 2007: Illinois has just played at Minnesota, and scored 44 points and gave up 17 points
- 2006: Ohio State had just played Minnesota at home, and had scored 44 points and had given up 17 points (in the previous 4 games combined)
And as the game draws nearer, the reflection becomes more immediate: For both teams, the losing team in each of their three most recent games has scored exactly 17 points. Granted, the mirror loses some of its luster when you observe that Illinois lost one of their last three. But perhaps that's just another sign that we're not in Wonderland anymore.
That's a good thing, because here in the real world, the Illini do not match-up with the Buckeyes at all.
Curiouser and Curiouser (not)
Indeed, it seems that Jim Tressel has restored order to the world since his arrival. By the time this game is played, it will have been over 25 months since OSU lost a Big Ten game. Further, it will have been just as long since Michigan lost a conference game to a team not named the Buckeyes. God is in his heaven and all is right with the world.
Sadly, the long nightmare of struggling with Wisconsin and Illinois had enough momentum to reach into the JT era. But one of those affronts to the natural order was relegated to the history books last week, and now it is time to put the Illini back in their place. There really is no reason to think that it won't happen.
The Match-Up
There are two things that a team needs to stop a speed-option team like Illinois: speed and discipline. Quick, describe the OSU defense in two words ... Exactly.
Iowa has a terrible defensive backfield. But they matched up well with Illinois and have built on the confidence gained from that game. OSU is something wholly other than terrible in the backfield, and the front 7 match up with the Illini better than the Hawkeyes did.
Even when you consider the position of this game between the Wisconsin and Michigan games, even when you consider that OSU has just played 3 physical running teams in a row and now faces the best rushing offense in the conference, even when you consider that the OSU defense is coming off of their worst game of the season; none of the intangibles makes up for the fact that OSU has a defense that appears to be custom-made to stop Illinois.
And don't underestimate the hunger of the Buckeye Stop Troops to redeem themselves for their uncharacteristically poor showing against Wisconsin. They allowed the Badgers a passing efficiency of 157.32! No other team has come within 50 points of that number against the Buckeyes, and the Buckeyes have responded very well when challenged this year.
Mark it down, Juice Williams will have a passer efficiency of less than 90 in this game. DSA suggests that this will be true, and that is without considering the Buckeyes gunning for redemption in the 'Shoe.
Speaking of DSA ...
Differential Statistical Analysis (DSA) is just a method of determing how much better a team is than the other teams its opponents have played. DSA is expressed as a percentage. If your Differential Scoring Defense (DSD) is 50%, that is just the DSA way of saying that teams score half as much against you as they do against every one else.
A DSA percentage can be calculated for every statistic, and then combined with an upcoming opponents stats to produce "predictions" for the upcoming game. For reasons previously stated, it is to be expected that Ohio State will outperform the following DSA predictions:
SCORE:
Ohio State:..26-27 points
Illinois:........10-12 points
Illinois:........10-12 points
YARDS:
Ohio State:..398-399
Illinois:........226-243
Illinois:........226-243
RUSHING YARDS:
Ohio State:..150-156
Illinois:..........89-113
Illinois:..........89-113
PASSING EFFICIENCY:
Ohio State:..147-148
Illinois:..........85-86
Illinois:..........85-86
Speaking of Redemption
It has already been shown that there is reason to believe that the DSA prediction for Illinois' passing efficiency is the upper bound for the number they'll actually achieve. I believe the prediction for OSU is a lower bound, and for similar reasons.
Todd Boeckman started well against Wisconsin, well enough that the Badgers were forced to take a hat out of the box. Todd and the receivers are itching to get back on a roll, and with the giant bulls-eye that is now on Beanie's back;OSU is poised to have a huge day through the air on Saturday.
And Illinois' performances against the average quarterbacks they've faced give no reason to believe they can slow down the Buckeye aerial attack. They have held bad quarterbacks to very low passing numbers, but average quarterbacks have actually exceeded their season-long averages against the Illini. Numbers against good quarterbacks would be provided, but Illinois has not faced any. Well, they haven't faced any until Saturday anyway.
Conclusion
So while the defense is set up for what could be their best performance of the year, there is reason to believe that the offense will keep up with them. It may not be the kind of day where single-game records are set but ... well, then again, it just might be.
Either way, it will be a day that Illinois won't soon forget. This is our conference Illinois. Welcome to our world, but don't get comfortable. You only get to visit.
The Lighter Side
For the second consecutive week, Ohio State survived their "first real test" by beating the Wisconsin Badgers going away. 38 - 17. 10 wins, no losses. Number one in the country for yet another week. Of course, there are those out there with votes in various polls who haven't taken notice that Ohio State has blown out both of their first real tests of the year, but at this point it's really more comical than anything else. I mean really, how seriously can you take 1 first place vote for 8 - 1 Oregon in the Harris Poll, when one hundred and twelve other voters place the Buckeyes first? How seriously can you take the two folks who seem to think 8 - 1 Oklahoma is number one, when fifty five coaches put the Buckeyes in the top spot? One coach thinks 8 - 1 LSU is the best team in the nation. Best at committing penalties, maybe. Indeed, LSU is so skilled at drawing laundry they actually practice plays which, by rule, are penalties. In case you missed it, needing only a couple inches on 4th down, instead of punting, Les Miles sent his guys out with the intention of drawing a flag. Now, one might think you'd be trying to draw your opponent offsides. Nope. Not Miles. Instead, he sends his guys out to do a play which involves a simultaneous, multiple player O-Line shift. This play is said to be illegal because it unfairly simulates a snap. But, the real reason it's illegal is because it's bush-league and soft. This is football, Les, sack up and play or kick the damn ball. Of course, ultimately, you did kick it and it was returned for six. I don't know ... maybe I am being too hard on you. You could have just kept committing penalties until the clock ran out. If you're in to it, give Bret Beilema a call. He's got some pointers, I'm sure. You may have to get some screwy clock rules in place first, but I'll leave that decision to your wallet and its influence on SEC officials.
There are some things which happen which you can't leave alone, even though you really should. I mean, this is a Buckeye football preview, and every week, there has been space here devoted to pointing and laughing at the mockery in South Bend. And, as much as I'd like to move on, how can I when Notre Dame loses round one of the Commander's cup? One win, Eight Losses. Think about that. Even as awful as you've ever thought Notre Dame "really" was, even in spite of their record, did you ever, for one second, think - honestly - that any Notre Dame team would lose to Navy in your life time? It's been 43 years. Hope Navy would win, sure. Believe it? Not really. But, they did. I know Domers like to blame former coach Ty Willingham for Heavy C's ineptitude, but there was not ONE player on Navy's roster who was a higher rated recruit than the players on Notre Dame's roster. Not one. With the game tied and 4th down from field goal range (41 yards), Ty Willingham didn't call up Charlie and say, "Hey, Chuck, if you kick this field goal to win the game, I'm sending my goons to feed you a diet of fruits and vegetables for a month" effectively forcing the "genius" to go for it. No. Domers, the fact is this - your coach is a bag of hot, hot air with virtually no ability to make the right call. Keep making excuses though, because we need you to keep your title as the nation's most delusional fan. As the following will show, you're now getting a serious run for your money in this respect from some Illini fans.
This is some classic stuff. In anticipation of this week's clash between Ohio State and Illinois for a large wooden turtle, some folks over on Scout's Illini board are tripping over themselves in haste to declare themselves the victor. Take mworkman's comments on a thread titled "WE beat tOSU"
First, before addressing Mr. Workman, I will bet everything I own and some things I don't that any collection of people from the Illini board would lose to the Buckeye football team in convincing fashion. I am of course, taking issue with "WE." WE are fans. WE root. WE cheer. WE don't beat anyone ... Well, unless you're a Pittsburgh resident trying to impress your chums at a Penn State frat party by committing assault on opposing fans. I digress. Now, then, to Mr. Workman's observation. Ohio State hasn't played a team as good as Illinois, who is 7 - 3 and number 31 in the BCS standings. Well, let's see here ... 7-3. Ohio State has played Penn State (7-3), Purdue (7-3), and Wisconsin (7-3). Penn State is rated 23 and Wisconsin 29 in the BCS. Purdue may not be rated higher in the BCS (they're 36th), but consider that the Boilermakers put up 34 points a game, to Illinois' 27.6 and out gains the Illini 420 to 413 per, and you'll see that Ohio State has played teams as good as the Illini, and have beaten them a combined 98 - 41, or an average of 33 - 13. And, of course, that's just offense. Teams like the Illini defense? Take Northwestern who boasts a pass defense only 7 yards per game worse than your Illini. Buckeyes 58, Northwestern 7. Aforementioned Penn State gives up over 50 yards less per game. Ohio State 37 - 17. And that was in their House. Played anyone like you? Regularly. And given them a swift beating. You're the Illinois, folks. The Mighty "Fighting Carrots" (please bring back the alternative uniforms, it's great for a laugh). Not USC. Oh, and before you come back with "Rashard Mendenhall" let me give you Javon Ringer's stat line - 49 yards on 18 carries, 1 catch for 5 yards. Yes, Mendenhall has Ringer by 10 yards per game (131 avg to 121) but, forgive Ringer's game against the Buckeyes, and they're the same back with an ever so slight edge to Mendenhall (131 to 129). Say it with me, Forty-nine yards. Let's give Mendenhall 2 more ... nay, 10 more ... hell, let's give him 50 more. He's still short of 100. By the way, the Fighting Dantonio's have a quarterback who can pass with some consistency, so the Buckeyes couldn't simply key on Ringer and forget about the rest, and I'm still giving Mendenhall twice as many yards. Can't key on Mendenhall with Benn out there, right? Benn's another kid with great potential, to be sure. But, he is a Freshman, and I'm not particularly scared off by an average stat line of 4 or 5 catches per for 57 yards. By the way, Ohio State has the second best pass defense in the nation. Third best rush defense in the nation and first overall, I might add. What was that you were saying about one team not having played the likes of another?
Now, let's keep something in mind as this article presses forward. Last season I happened over to Illini boards for some Lighter Side fodder and was floored when I read some of these folks were citing a loss to Indiana as hard-fast proof that Illinois had "turned the corner." Now, we get this, from georgie2546:
Now, in fairness, georgie does only give Illinois a 40% chance of beating the Buckeyes and I have taken the quote out of context to some extent. For example, georgie also observed that the pressure is on OSU, and the Buckeyes might be looking ahead towards Michigan. While Ohio State is no stranger to the pressure of #1, and I can't imagine this team looking ahead, these are not outlandish remarks. But, let's have a look at the momentum factor. The Illini, like everyone but 5 - 5 Miami of Ohio - and including D-IAA North Dakota State - beat Minnesota. Hey, it's not a program direction changing loss to Indiana, but it's something. And Juice played well! True, Juice Williams is a very talented player. But, passing doesn't appear to be his thing. Against the worst defense in the nation, Minnesota, Juice went for a season best 207. I'll give you the dual threat, as Juice is an exciting player to be sure ... well, dual in that he's capable of throwing the ball and can surely run. But, if you think Minnesota's D and Ohio State's D are comparable, well ... you need to be institutionalized. Momentum? It's easy to gain momentum when you're running razor blade edged ice skates down the 67% grade ice slope that is the Gophers. The Buckeyes? Think of them as the 20 foot thick concrete barrier you run in to at the bottom of the hill.
And finally, some of my favorite rationale why the Illini are a lock to win. Revisionist history. Termin8tor (cute use of a number, there sparky) observes:
6 out of 10 times, you say? Sure sounds impressive. But of course, you have to also realize that going back ten games in the Shoe takes us to the year 1986. For the Buckeyes, that was 3 coaches ago, for the Illini it's ... what ... 8? Whatever ... Anyway, 1986. Relevant? Sure. You know how old Juice Williams was in 1986? Minus 1, or not yet born (Nov. 19, 1987). But, let's pretend like history mattered with respect to upcoming games and consider the remaining games in this 20 year span, shall we? Ohio State 11 wins, against 8 losses. Not great, I'll give you that, but again, I'm stretching myself to pretend this makes any difference at all in the first place, so bear with me. Number of times Ohio State has been shut out? Zero. Illinois? Three. Number of times Illinois has scored 40 or more points? One. Ohio State? 5. If you want to take this time frame back just two more years to 1984, we can make that 6, and we can add 2 times an Ohio State back has had a record setting rushing day against you (Keith Byars 274 in 1984, 314 for Eddie George in 1995). Hey ... wait a minute ... 1984 ... plus 11 = 1995 ... plus 12 = 2007. If Keith had 274 in 1984, and Eddie gained 40 more yards than that 11 years later, shouldn't we assume Beanie Wells is good for at least 354 in 2007? All games at the Shoe, I might add ... But, I digress. What your little statistic shows us is that the Illini had a fair decade against the Buckeyes when Cooper was running the show (6-7 v. Illinois). Good for you. Have you met Coach Jim Tressel? He's 3 - 1 against you. The one loss? Yeah, it was in the Shoe. WE ... sorry ... Ohio State had to go with a back-up QB that day and was 7-5 on the year - Tressel's first, while your Illini were enjoying their last season of relevance. Since that game in '01, your Illini, in 3 games, have scored a total of 6 less points (28) than they did in that single win (34). Ohio State, on the other hand, has scored 80 in those 3 games. That's a 27 - 9 average. By the way, since your last win at Ohio State, the Buckeyes are 70 - 10. Your Illini? 21 - 49. Last week against Wisconsin, the Buckeyes won as many games as your Illini won in all of 2003. Of course, none of these numbers actually matters. Welcome to 2007.
Actually, if history or any two numbers might matter, it would be these: 17 - 10. The discerning eye would note that was the score of last year's Ohio State v. Illinois game. Do you honestly think for one second that Ohio State is going to over look the Illini this year, after nearly screwing the pooch against you last year? Sure, that game was never as in doubt as the score made it look, but it's motivational none the less. Illini, you may play well again, I don't know. But, safe money is on an epic beat down.
There are some things which happen which you can't leave alone, even though you really should. I mean, this is a Buckeye football preview, and every week, there has been space here devoted to pointing and laughing at the mockery in South Bend. And, as much as I'd like to move on, how can I when Notre Dame loses round one of the Commander's cup? One win, Eight Losses. Think about that. Even as awful as you've ever thought Notre Dame "really" was, even in spite of their record, did you ever, for one second, think - honestly - that any Notre Dame team would lose to Navy in your life time? It's been 43 years. Hope Navy would win, sure. Believe it? Not really. But, they did. I know Domers like to blame former coach Ty Willingham for Heavy C's ineptitude, but there was not ONE player on Navy's roster who was a higher rated recruit than the players on Notre Dame's roster. Not one. With the game tied and 4th down from field goal range (41 yards), Ty Willingham didn't call up Charlie and say, "Hey, Chuck, if you kick this field goal to win the game, I'm sending my goons to feed you a diet of fruits and vegetables for a month" effectively forcing the "genius" to go for it. No. Domers, the fact is this - your coach is a bag of hot, hot air with virtually no ability to make the right call. Keep making excuses though, because we need you to keep your title as the nation's most delusional fan. As the following will show, you're now getting a serious run for your money in this respect from some Illini fans.
This is some classic stuff. In anticipation of this week's clash between Ohio State and Illinois for a large wooden turtle, some folks over on Scout's Illini board are tripping over themselves in haste to declare themselves the victor. Take mworkman's comments on a thread titled "WE beat tOSU"
First, before addressing Mr. Workman, I will bet everything I own and some things I don't that any collection of people from the Illini board would lose to the Buckeye football team in convincing fashion. I am of course, taking issue with "WE." WE are fans. WE root. WE cheer. WE don't beat anyone ... Well, unless you're a Pittsburgh resident trying to impress your chums at a Penn State frat party by committing assault on opposing fans. I digress. Now, then, to Mr. Workman's observation. Ohio State hasn't played a team as good as Illinois, who is 7 - 3 and number 31 in the BCS standings. Well, let's see here ... 7-3. Ohio State has played Penn State (7-3), Purdue (7-3), and Wisconsin (7-3). Penn State is rated 23 and Wisconsin 29 in the BCS. Purdue may not be rated higher in the BCS (they're 36th), but consider that the Boilermakers put up 34 points a game, to Illinois' 27.6 and out gains the Illini 420 to 413 per, and you'll see that Ohio State has played teams as good as the Illini, and have beaten them a combined 98 - 41, or an average of 33 - 13. And, of course, that's just offense. Teams like the Illini defense? Take Northwestern who boasts a pass defense only 7 yards per game worse than your Illini. Buckeyes 58, Northwestern 7. Aforementioned Penn State gives up over 50 yards less per game. Ohio State 37 - 17. And that was in their House. Played anyone like you? Regularly. And given them a swift beating. You're the Illinois, folks. The Mighty "Fighting Carrots" (please bring back the alternative uniforms, it's great for a laugh). Not USC. Oh, and before you come back with "Rashard Mendenhall" let me give you Javon Ringer's stat line - 49 yards on 18 carries, 1 catch for 5 yards. Yes, Mendenhall has Ringer by 10 yards per game (131 avg to 121) but, forgive Ringer's game against the Buckeyes, and they're the same back with an ever so slight edge to Mendenhall (131 to 129). Say it with me, Forty-nine yards. Let's give Mendenhall 2 more ... nay, 10 more ... hell, let's give him 50 more. He's still short of 100. By the way, the Fighting Dantonio's have a quarterback who can pass with some consistency, so the Buckeyes couldn't simply key on Ringer and forget about the rest, and I'm still giving Mendenhall twice as many yards. Can't key on Mendenhall with Benn out there, right? Benn's another kid with great potential, to be sure. But, he is a Freshman, and I'm not particularly scared off by an average stat line of 4 or 5 catches per for 57 yards. By the way, Ohio State has the second best pass defense in the nation. Third best rush defense in the nation and first overall, I might add. What was that you were saying about one team not having played the likes of another?
Now, let's keep something in mind as this article presses forward. Last season I happened over to Illini boards for some Lighter Side fodder and was floored when I read some of these folks were citing a loss to Indiana as hard-fast proof that Illinois had "turned the corner." Now, we get this, from georgie2546:
Now, in fairness, georgie does only give Illinois a 40% chance of beating the Buckeyes and I have taken the quote out of context to some extent. For example, georgie also observed that the pressure is on OSU, and the Buckeyes might be looking ahead towards Michigan. While Ohio State is no stranger to the pressure of #1, and I can't imagine this team looking ahead, these are not outlandish remarks. But, let's have a look at the momentum factor. The Illini, like everyone but 5 - 5 Miami of Ohio - and including D-IAA North Dakota State - beat Minnesota. Hey, it's not a program direction changing loss to Indiana, but it's something. And Juice played well! True, Juice Williams is a very talented player. But, passing doesn't appear to be his thing. Against the worst defense in the nation, Minnesota, Juice went for a season best 207. I'll give you the dual threat, as Juice is an exciting player to be sure ... well, dual in that he's capable of throwing the ball and can surely run. But, if you think Minnesota's D and Ohio State's D are comparable, well ... you need to be institutionalized. Momentum? It's easy to gain momentum when you're running razor blade edged ice skates down the 67% grade ice slope that is the Gophers. The Buckeyes? Think of them as the 20 foot thick concrete barrier you run in to at the bottom of the hill.
And finally, some of my favorite rationale why the Illini are a lock to win. Revisionist history. Termin8tor (cute use of a number, there sparky) observes:
6 out of 10 times, you say? Sure sounds impressive. But of course, you have to also realize that going back ten games in the Shoe takes us to the year 1986. For the Buckeyes, that was 3 coaches ago, for the Illini it's ... what ... 8? Whatever ... Anyway, 1986. Relevant? Sure. You know how old Juice Williams was in 1986? Minus 1, or not yet born (Nov. 19, 1987). But, let's pretend like history mattered with respect to upcoming games and consider the remaining games in this 20 year span, shall we? Ohio State 11 wins, against 8 losses. Not great, I'll give you that, but again, I'm stretching myself to pretend this makes any difference at all in the first place, so bear with me. Number of times Ohio State has been shut out? Zero. Illinois? Three. Number of times Illinois has scored 40 or more points? One. Ohio State? 5. If you want to take this time frame back just two more years to 1984, we can make that 6, and we can add 2 times an Ohio State back has had a record setting rushing day against you (Keith Byars 274 in 1984, 314 for Eddie George in 1995). Hey ... wait a minute ... 1984 ... plus 11 = 1995 ... plus 12 = 2007. If Keith had 274 in 1984, and Eddie gained 40 more yards than that 11 years later, shouldn't we assume Beanie Wells is good for at least 354 in 2007? All games at the Shoe, I might add ... But, I digress. What your little statistic shows us is that the Illini had a fair decade against the Buckeyes when Cooper was running the show (6-7 v. Illinois). Good for you. Have you met Coach Jim Tressel? He's 3 - 1 against you. The one loss? Yeah, it was in the Shoe. WE ... sorry ... Ohio State had to go with a back-up QB that day and was 7-5 on the year - Tressel's first, while your Illini were enjoying their last season of relevance. Since that game in '01, your Illini, in 3 games, have scored a total of 6 less points (28) than they did in that single win (34). Ohio State, on the other hand, has scored 80 in those 3 games. That's a 27 - 9 average. By the way, since your last win at Ohio State, the Buckeyes are 70 - 10. Your Illini? 21 - 49. Last week against Wisconsin, the Buckeyes won as many games as your Illini won in all of 2003. Of course, none of these numbers actually matters. Welcome to 2007.
Actually, if history or any two numbers might matter, it would be these: 17 - 10. The discerning eye would note that was the score of last year's Ohio State v. Illinois game. Do you honestly think for one second that Ohio State is going to over look the Illini this year, after nearly screwing the pooch against you last year? Sure, that game was never as in doubt as the score made it look, but it's motivational none the less. Illini, you may play well again, I don't know. But, safe money is on an epic beat down.
Traditions & Opponent Perspective
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).
- Chief Illiniwek has sparked significant controversy. Critics of the symbol claim that it is a racist stereotype, while supporters claim that it is unoffensive and is a source of pride for many students. The University is deeply divided on this issue; while some of the faculty have condemned the symbol, the administration is largely supportive of it.
- 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. The Illini gave up the "Illibuck" trophy in 2002, but not without a fight as Illinois dropped a close 23-16 loss to the No. 2 Buckeyes in overtime in Champaign. The win for Ohio State sent the team to the national title game the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, which it won over Miami (Fla.). Ohio State held on to the trophy with a 40-2 win over Illinois in 2005, after a two-year hiatus off the schedule.
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 three years following a 37-3 win over Illinois in 2005.
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 trophy has had a three-year residence in Evanston after three straight wins in 2003, 2004, and 2005. - 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 more than 90 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 2006 season marking its 96th 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.
Historical Data
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) Founded in 1867
Football 1st Season: 1890
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Constructed: 1923 (Current renovation to be completed 2008)
Seating Capacity: 69,249
Playing Surface: AstroPlay
Conference: Independent 1890, Illinois Intercollegiate Football League 1891-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896
Colors: Orange and Blue
Mascot: Chief Illiniwek
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 42 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-12 years, Coaches-12 years
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Constructed: 1923 (Current renovation to be completed 2008)
Seating Capacity: 69,249
Playing Surface: AstroPlay
Conference: Independent 1890, Illinois Intercollegiate Football League 1891-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896
Colors: Orange and Blue
Mascot: Chief Illiniwek
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 42 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-12 years, Coaches-12 years
Records
All Time: 546-503-49 (.520)
Bowl Games: 6-8-0 (.429) Most recently a 34-47 loss to LSU in the 2002 Sugar Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 300-353-33 (.461)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 60-29-4 (.337) The most recent meeting was a 17 to 10 loss to the Bucks in Champaign in 2006.
Coach's Reord: Ron Zook, 2005 - 2006, 4-19-0 (.174), Career mark of 27-33-0 (.450)
2006 Season: 2-10-0 (.167)
Sep 2 - W vs. Eastern Ill, 42-17
Sep 9 - L at Rutgers, 0-33
Sep 16 - L vs. Syracuse, 21-31
Sep 23 - L vs. Iowa, 7-24
Sep 30 - W at Michigan State, 23-20
Oct 7 - L vs. Indiana, 32-34
Oct 14 - L vs. Ohio U, 17-20
Oct 21 - L at Penn State, 12-26
Oct 28 - L at Wisconsin, 24-30
Nov 4 - L vs. Ohio State, 10-17
Nov 11 - L vs. Purdue, 31-42
Nov 18 - L at Northwestern, 16-27
2007 Schedule
Sep 1 - L vs. Missouri, 34-40
Sep 8 - W vs. Western Ill, 21-0
Sep 15 - W at Syracuse, 41-20
Sep 22 - W at Indiana, 27-14
Sep 29 - W vs. Penn State, 27-20
Oct 6 - W vs. Wisconsin, 31-26
Oct 13 - L at Iowa, 6-10
Oct 20 - L vs. Michigan, 17-27
Oct 27 - W vs. Ball State, 28-17
Nov 3 - W at Minnesota, 44-17
Nov 10 - at Ohio State, 3:30 PM
Nov 17 - vs. Northwestern, TBA
Bowl Games: 6-8-0 (.429) Most recently a 34-47 loss to LSU in the 2002 Sugar Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 300-353-33 (.461)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 60-29-4 (.337) The most recent meeting was a 17 to 10 loss to the Bucks in Champaign in 2006.
Coach's Reord: Ron Zook, 2005 - 2006, 4-19-0 (.174), Career mark of 27-33-0 (.450)
2006 Season: 2-10-0 (.167)
Sep 2 - W vs. Eastern Ill, 42-17
Sep 9 - L at Rutgers, 0-33
Sep 16 - L vs. Syracuse, 21-31
Sep 23 - L vs. Iowa, 7-24
Sep 30 - W at Michigan State, 23-20
Oct 7 - L vs. Indiana, 32-34
Oct 14 - L vs. Ohio U, 17-20
Oct 21 - L at Penn State, 12-26
Oct 28 - L at Wisconsin, 24-30
Nov 4 - L vs. Ohio State, 10-17
Nov 11 - L vs. Purdue, 31-42
Nov 18 - L at Northwestern, 16-27
2007 Schedule
Sep 1 - L vs. Missouri, 34-40
Sep 8 - W vs. Western Ill, 21-0
Sep 15 - W at Syracuse, 41-20
Sep 22 - W at Indiana, 27-14
Sep 29 - W vs. Penn State, 27-20
Oct 6 - W vs. Wisconsin, 31-26
Oct 13 - L at Iowa, 6-10
Oct 20 - L vs. Michigan, 17-27
Oct 27 - W vs. Ball State, 28-17
Nov 3 - W at Minnesota, 44-17
Nov 10 - at Ohio State, 3:30 PM
Nov 17 - vs. Northwestern, TBA
Links
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)
Message Boards - Illinois Loyalty(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
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2007 Team Breakdown (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2007 Schedule/Results - Fighting Illini
2007 Spring Roster/Prospectus (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2007 Spring Game Results - Fighting Illini
2006 Overall Stats (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2006 Conference Stats (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2007 Roster - Fighting Illini
News Releases - Fighting Illini
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - CFN
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Offense - CFN
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Defense - CFN
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2006 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - CFN
Illinois Team Report - CSTV/Sports Xchange (Links to previous reports)
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Sports Network
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - The Ozone
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - College Football Poll
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Dispatch/Buckeye Extra
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Maddux Sports
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - BigTen Fans.com
B10 Conference Previews and Breakdowns:
2007 BigTen Prospectus (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Team Breakdowns (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Media Info(PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Composite Schedule (PDF) - BigTen
2006 BigTen Season in Review (PDF) - BigTen
2006 BigTen Overall Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2006 BigTen Conference Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2007 CFN Big Ten Preview - CFN
2007 CFN Preseason All-Big Ten Team - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Preseason Lookaheads - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Schedules & Predictions - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Team Capsules - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Unit Rankings - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Ultimate Schedule - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Recruiting - What It All Means - CFN
2007 CFN Spring Preview - Analyzing the Big Ten - CFN
2007 CFN Big Ten Spring Lookaheads - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Composite Schedule - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Team-by-Team Schedules - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Spring Games Wrapup - CFN
ASK CFN (6/22) ... The Big Ten Network - CFN
2007 Big Ten - CSTV
2007 All-Big Ten Teams - Athlon
2007 BigTen Inside Slant - USA Today
2007 Big Ten Preview - College Football Poll
Travel:
Home Game
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)
Message Boards - Illinois Loyalty(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
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2007 Team Breakdown (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2007 Schedule/Results - Fighting Illini
2007 Spring Roster/Prospectus (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2007 Spring Game Results - Fighting Illini
2006 Overall Stats (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2006 Conference Stats (PDF) - Fighting Illini
2007 Roster - Fighting Illini
News Releases - Fighting Illini
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - CFN
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Offense - CFN
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Defense - CFN
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2006 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - CFN
Illinois Team Report - CSTV/Sports Xchange (Links to previous reports)
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Sports Network
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - The Ozone
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - College Football Poll
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Dispatch/Buckeye Extra
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - Maddux Sports
2007 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview - BigTen Fans.com
B10 Conference Previews and Breakdowns:
2007 BigTen Prospectus (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Team Breakdowns (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Media Info(PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Composite Schedule (PDF) - BigTen
2006 BigTen Season in Review (PDF) - BigTen
2006 BigTen Overall Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2006 BigTen Conference Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2007 CFN Big Ten Preview - CFN
2007 CFN Preseason All-Big Ten Team - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Preseason Lookaheads - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Schedules & Predictions - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Team Capsules - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Unit Rankings - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Ultimate Schedule - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Recruiting - What It All Means - CFN
2007 CFN Spring Preview - Analyzing the Big Ten - CFN
2007 CFN Big Ten Spring Lookaheads - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Composite Schedule - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Team-by-Team Schedules - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Spring Games Wrapup - CFN
ASK CFN (6/22) ... The Big Ten Network - CFN
2007 Big Ten - CSTV
2007 All-Big Ten Teams - Athlon
2007 BigTen Inside Slant - USA Today
2007 Big Ten Preview - College Football Poll
Travel:
Home Game
Preseason Rankings
#53 - Chicago Tribune (Teddy Greenstein)
#61 - Scout
#67 - Athlon
#85 - CCR (Season Final Projection)
#61 - Scout
#67 - Athlon
#85 - CCR (Season Final Projection)
Preseason Watch Lists
Bronko Nagurski Award - J. Leman
Butkus Award - J. Leman
Chuck Bednarik Award - J. Leman
Dave Rimington Trophy - Ryan McDonald
Doak Walker Award - Rashard Mendenhall
Draddy Trophy - J. Leman
Jim Thorpe Award - Vontae Davis
John Mackey Award - Jeff Cumberland
Lott Trophy - J. Leman
Lou Groza Award - Jason Reda
Manning Award - Isiah "Juice" Williams
Maxwell Award - Rashard Mendenhall
Ronnie Lott Award - J. Leman
Rotary Lombardi Award - J. Leman
Ted Hendricks Award - Will Davis
Butkus Award - J. Leman
Chuck Bednarik Award - J. Leman
Dave Rimington Trophy - Ryan McDonald
Doak Walker Award - Rashard Mendenhall
Draddy Trophy - J. Leman
Jim Thorpe Award - Vontae Davis
John Mackey Award - Jeff Cumberland
Lott Trophy - J. Leman
Lou Groza Award - Jason Reda
Manning Award - Isiah "Juice" Williams
Maxwell Award - Rashard Mendenhall
Ronnie Lott Award - J. Leman
Rotary Lombardi Award - J. Leman
Ted Hendricks Award - Will Davis
Big Ten Conference Players of the Week
Sept. 1, 2007 (Week 1)
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Jehuu Caulcrick, Michigan State & QB - Tyler Donovan, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - Sean Lee, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: WR - Dorien Bryant, Purdue
Sept. 8, 2007 (Week 2)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Adam Weber, Minnesota & QB - Curtis Painter, Purdue
DEFENSE: LB - Dan Connor, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: DE - Kenny Iwebema, Iowa
Sept. 15, 2007 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: QB - Kellen Lewis, Indiana
CO-DEFENSE: DE - Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State & LB - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
SPECIAL TEAMS: PR/KR - David Gilreath, Wisconsin
Sept. 22, 2007 (Week 4)
OFFENSE: RB - Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
CO-DEFENSE: DE - Will Davis, Illinois & S - Jamar Adams, Michigan
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - Ken DeBauche, Wisconsin
Sept. 29, 2007 (Week 5)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Kellen Lewis, Indiana & RB - P.J. Hill, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - Shawn Crable, Michigan
SPECIAL TEAMS: KR - Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Oct. 6, 2007 (Week 6)
OFFENSE: QB - C.J. Bacher, Northwestern
DEFENSE: DB - Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Austin Starr, Indiana
Oct. 13, 2007 (Week 7)
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Javon Ringer, Michigan State & QB - C.J. Bacher, Northwestern
DEFENSE: LB - Mike Humpal, Iowa
SPECIAL TEAMS: PR - Brian Hartline, Ohio State
Oct. 20, 2007 (Week 8)
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Chris Wells, Ohio State & WR - Dorien Bryant, Purdue
DEFENSE: DE - Maurice Evans, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - A.J. Trapasso, Ohio State
Oct. 27, 2007 (Week 9)
OFFENSE: QB - Todd Boeckman, Ohio State
DEFENSE: LB - DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - Ryan Donahue, Iowa
Nov. 3, 2007 (Week 10)
OFFENSE: QB - Chad Henne, Michigan
CO-DEFENSE: LB - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State & LB - Sean Lee, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Jason Reda, Illinois
Nov. 10, 2007 (Week 11)
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Nov. 17, 2007 (Week 12)
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
SPECIAL TEAMS:
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Jehuu Caulcrick, Michigan State & QB - Tyler Donovan, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - Sean Lee, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: WR - Dorien Bryant, Purdue
Sept. 8, 2007 (Week 2)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Adam Weber, Minnesota & QB - Curtis Painter, Purdue
DEFENSE: LB - Dan Connor, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: DE - Kenny Iwebema, Iowa
Sept. 15, 2007 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: QB - Kellen Lewis, Indiana
CO-DEFENSE: DE - Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State & LB - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
SPECIAL TEAMS: PR/KR - David Gilreath, Wisconsin
Sept. 22, 2007 (Week 4)
OFFENSE: RB - Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
CO-DEFENSE: DE - Will Davis, Illinois & S - Jamar Adams, Michigan
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - Ken DeBauche, Wisconsin
Sept. 29, 2007 (Week 5)
CO-OFFENSE: QB - Kellen Lewis, Indiana & RB - P.J. Hill, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - Shawn Crable, Michigan
SPECIAL TEAMS: KR - Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Oct. 6, 2007 (Week 6)
OFFENSE: QB - C.J. Bacher, Northwestern
DEFENSE: DB - Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Austin Starr, Indiana
Oct. 13, 2007 (Week 7)
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Javon Ringer, Michigan State & QB - C.J. Bacher, Northwestern
DEFENSE: LB - Mike Humpal, Iowa
SPECIAL TEAMS: PR - Brian Hartline, Ohio State
Oct. 20, 2007 (Week 8)
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Chris Wells, Ohio State & WR - Dorien Bryant, Purdue
DEFENSE: DE - Maurice Evans, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - A.J. Trapasso, Ohio State
Oct. 27, 2007 (Week 9)
OFFENSE: QB - Todd Boeckman, Ohio State
DEFENSE: LB - DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - Ryan Donahue, Iowa
Nov. 3, 2007 (Week 10)
OFFENSE: QB - Chad Henne, Michigan
CO-DEFENSE: LB - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State & LB - Sean Lee, Penn State
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Jason Reda, Illinois
Nov. 10, 2007 (Week 11)
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Nov. 17, 2007 (Week 12)
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Preseason Accolades
BigTen Preseason Media Poll
1. Michigan
2. Wisconsin
3. Ohio State
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year - Mike Hart - Michigan
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year - James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
1. Michigan
2. Wisconsin
3. Ohio State
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year - Mike Hart - Michigan
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year - James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
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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