ITB Podcast: Talking About The 5-0 Fighting Illini
We've got a special bonus edition of the podcast here folks as we take some time to spotlight one of the programs that has really opened some eyes to this point in the season. One such program? The Fighting Illini from Illinois. Fresh off winning the Land O' Lincoln trophy by beating Northwestern the orange and blue are 5-0 on the season and this team is really playing well for coach Ron Zook. To help me discuss this year's Illinois football team we've got Joe Kutsunis on the program. Joe runs the Illini's SBNation site Hail To The Orange and he lived through not just the Rose Bowl season but the bowl-less seasons to come after.
We kick the talk off by hitting on those thin years post-Rose Bowl as the Illini failed to go bowling in both 2008 and 2009. Zook's hot seat and the team's inability to produce even as the Zooker seemed to be elevating their talent base. As we move forward we discuss the feelings surrounding the team now at 5-0 and how scheduling has played a monster role in their current achievement. Missing Mizzou to open the year has truly altered the Illini's trajectory.
On the field we've got to sing the praises of the work Paul Petrino is doing with dual threat quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase and the three headed running back monster of Troy Pollard, Donovonn Young and Jason Ford. AJ Jenkins, the Illini's standout wide receiver, joins the party as this Illinois offense is the Leaders divisions only sure scoring threat outside of Madison. On defense Vic Koenning is working wonders with a talented front seven and while their secondary is not great the Illini are in the Top 25 in scoring, total and rush defense.
We also talk on All Russell Wilson Everything and the kid's impact on the Big Ten and Wisconsin's national title hopes. Joe discusses the ceiling for his squad and with the offensive woes of Penn State and Ohio State the sky really is the limit if Illinois keeps scoring the football.
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