The College Experience

Let’s face it, expectations for the 2009 Illini football team were a bit inflated. We supposedly had the deepest receiving core in the nation, a senior quarterback ready to go out on top and so much talent in the backfield the only question was how to distribute the carries fairly. Instead our best receiver, Arrelious Benn, has only 13 catches, Orange fans were squeezed out of Juice and his replacement Eddie McGee is tied for the team lead in rushing touchdowns. Coach Ron Zook, considered a program savior just two years ago, is sitting on a seat hotter than Megan Fox. Things have not gone according to plan.
While the offense has been abysmal, the defense has shown a few bright spots. Sophomore Tavon Wilson’s move from safety to corner was a success last week as he came up strong in run support. Fellow second year player Corey Liuget has been solid at defensive tackle. Also look for tackle Corey Lewis to continue to win more playing time over senior Ryan Palmer.
But enough analysis. Let’s look at the positives the football team continues to offer.
My family came down for homecoming weekend and I had a great time attending the game with them. Pregame tailgating is a must for many families and is enjoyable win or lose. Sitting with my grandpa during the game, he continually remarked to me how impressive the stadium and crowd was. He never went to college. He graduated high school, participated in the Korean War and became a salesman. I talk to him on the phone frequently and he always joking asks if he can go around school with me for a week. My mother attended community college in the Detroit area and never enjoyed the major college experience. Whenever I complain about the University she always reminds me of what a privilege it is to go here. One of the most enjoyable privileges is waking up on Saturday morning and blending in with the 50,000 plus crowd of orange. While it is more enjoyable watching an Illini win, we will not remember the scores of the games as much as the fun experiences we had in the orange Saturday seas

TBG