Illinitalk: Opening at Home

Friday, September 10, 2010

Opening at Home

After a tough neutral-site battle to open the season, Ron Zook and the Illini will be in Champaign for their 2010 season home opener against the Salukis of Southern Illinois. This is one of those games that the Illini need to -- and should -- win. But given the unpredictability of the college football season so far, nothing should be taken for granted.

Here are a few players to watch:

QB Nathan Scheelhaase has potential, but he needs to hold on to the ball and throw it to his own men. Now that he has his first start under his belt, expect to see him hold on a bit better. He sounds like he's learning quickly as a redshirt freshman.
The Illini defense leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss after the first game. After owning the line in the first half against Mizzou, they should be able to last longer and prove themselves stronger against the Salukis.
RB Mikel Leshoure is closing in on 1,000 career rushing yards. He should be able to pass that mark Saturday.
A healthy LB Martez Wilson should be able to show off his athleticism and prove that he's grown into his position.
WR A.J. Jenkins played well last weekend, and hopes to be on the other end of more Scheelhaase TD passes.
Clay Nurse has been moved to Bandit following the suspension of Michael Buchanan.

The Illini have a great record in home openers. In fact, the opener against Illinois State was one of the two home games they claimed last year. They need a win to build on their solid performance in the loss last weekend.

Go Illini!

Labels: A.J. Jenkins, Clay Nurse, Illini football, Martez Wilson, Mikel Leshoure, Nathan Scheelhaase

# posted by Alma Mater : 10:19 PM

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Opening at Home

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