Ohio State first test in crucial stretch for Illini
September 25, 2009 2:53 PM
When Illinois plays at No. 13 Ohio State Saturday, the Big Ten Conference opener is more than just one game. It's the start of a three-game swing that will determine the direction of Illini football.
Coach Ron Zook disagrees, but his fiery denials show the intensity of the situation. The matchup at four-time defending champ and preseason favorite Ohio State plus home games against Penn State and Michigan State - the Big Ten's other top two teams in the preseason poll - have everyone watching to see if Illinois survives.
''If you guys want to talk about all three games, we'll have everybody off-limits,'' Zook said. ''It's one game. Why would we want to talk about anything other than one game? I don't understand.''
Supinie
Coach Ron Zook disagrees, but his fiery denials show the intensity of the situation. The matchup at four-time defending champ and preseason favorite Ohio State plus home games against Penn State and Michigan State - the Big Ten's other top two teams in the preseason poll - have everyone watching to see if Illinois survives.
''If you guys want to talk about all three games, we'll have everybody off-limits,'' Zook said. ''It's one game. Why would we want to talk about anything other than one game? I don't understand.''
Supinie
Filed under: Illini Football, Ohio State Buckeyes
