Previewing Big Ten Football: Illinois

I've already wrote about Indiana football, and I believe Illinois will be just a step above them, but not by much. Surprisingly, last season was a disappointing one for the Illini. Much like their basketball brethren, they had a good start last season, followed by a collapse that led to the firing of Ron Zook. 


2011 Illinois Stats:

2011 Record: 7-6 (2-6)
Postseason: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl - W 20-14
Head Coach: Tim Beckman (1st year at Illinois, 21-16 career record)
Returning Starters: 17 ( 7 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams)


Let's begin with coaching. Tim Beckman is starting his 1st year as head coach of the Illini. He spent 3 years as head coach of the Toledo Rockets, where he went 21-16 and his biggest win was over Michigan, the only MAC school that can say that. Prior to his stint with the Toledo Rockets, Beckman was the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State University–Stillwater. After two seasons there, in which the Cowboys posted a record of 16-10. Before joining the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Beckman coached at Ohio State under Jim Tressel and at Bowling Green.