Looking for its first Big Ten championship since 2001, Illinois started the 2012 season with high hopes for a breakout season from junior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase under new coach Tim Beckman. Unfortunately, Scheelhaase struggled the whole season and the Illini stumbled to a 2-10 record (0-8 in the Big Ten). Running back Donovonn Young led the team in rushing with just 571 yards. Wideout Ryan Lankford led the team in receiving. Their points per game ranked at just 122nd in the country last season, compared to 95th in points allowed. However, Scheelhaase, Young, and Lankford will all return to get the offense right this season, and Illini fans have reason to believe that stars will emerge on this team. Running back Mikel Leshoure, wide receiver Arrelious Benn, defensive back Whitney Mercilus, cornerback Vontae Davis, and running back Rashard Mendenhall have all been drafted into and made an impact in the NFL in the last five years. You won’t want to miss an early preview of a next great NFL player. Gold Coast Tickets has you covered!
The Illinois Fighting Illini football program is based in Champaign, Illinois. The Illini football program has claimed 5 national titles since its creation in 1890, currently playing its home games at vibrantly orange Memorial Stadium since 1923. Twice-renovated Memorial Stadium is known for its passionate support from U of I’s enormous student body. The Illini play trophy games in their season: against longstanding rival Northwestern, against Purdue, and against Ohio State. A new marketing campaign, centered around the slogan “Our State. Our Team.”, was splashed into the Chicago market last year to increase fan support and reinvigorate the significant alumni base here. As a result, a larger spotlight has been cast upon the Fighting Illini, and you won’t want to miss out when the team starts capitalizing on it. Get your tickets today at Gold Coast Tickets!
