What a way to revive a dead program. Illinois beat Ohio State on OSU's home turf and did so convincingly. With Juice Williams throwing for a career high 4 touchdowns, the Illini controlled tempo and the ball. This game added a true sense of legitimacy to the Zook era.
The alumni have demanded it for years and now we have a success full football program. The Ilini knocked Ohio St. out of BCS championship contention and guaranteed a decent bowl bid for themselves. A great football program gives a university national identity. The Illini have briefly been there before, but now need to build a reputation that will last. With the reputation comes recruiting and this leads an elite program. Throw in a coach who can see the big picture and you've got the makings of a perennial Rose Bowl contender.
The Illini were clearly outclassed in the talent department at OSU, but coaching skill showed its way through. Unlike his counterpart in South Bend, Zook is quite modest. Its obviously still a program that needs work, but wins like yesterdays add to what may become legend.
1 comment:
The Zookster might be competent after all.
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