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Thursday, March 31, 2011 By Karstyn Wolf
Photo Credit: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-illinoisgallery,0,5527056.photogallery
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The Illini are the starting the season out fresh with virtually a complete new staff. After last season’s disappointing record of 3-9, all but two losses being in double digits, some fans are feeling discouraged about this 2010 season. It has been heavily debated since he was hired on whether Ron Zook should remain as head coach of Illinois football. Zook’s original contract, appointed in January 2005, dubbed him coach until January 21, 2010, taking Ron Turner‘s place. The Illini has struggled with losing records since Zook in 2005, except for 2007, when they took an unexpected turn for the better resulting in a trip to the Rose Bowl. Zook’s contract has been extended twice, once in October 2007 until the end of the 2013 season, and in 2009 until 2014.
This year, the Illini are juggling a tougher schedule, a new offense, and much more. The Fighting Illini’s first game against Missouri may have been discouraging to fans with a loss of 13-23. However, despite 10,000 empty seats at Memorial stadium and 6,000 fans less than the previous game, the Illini stepped up their game with a 35-3 victory over Southern Illinois. Last Saturday, the Illini pulled a close victory over Northern Illinois of 28-22. Next weekend the Illini will compete against Ohio State in their first conference game hopefully adding another win to their so far promising record.
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