So it begins for Ron Zook.

After a three-year run as Steve Spurrier's successor at Florida, Zook gets a chance to establish his own identity as head coach of the Illini. This is a team that has struggled the last three seasons and faltered badly when it comes to personnel. Zook is expected to improve the Illinois recruiting significantly and upgrade the talent level.

What happens during the 2005 season should key Zook's long-term plans. Nobody expects the Illini to be Big Ten contenders, but if the team can get to .500 -- or at least approach it this season -- the team could get a shot in the arm for the future.

Start with the first two games against Rutgers and San Jose State. Zook needs to get off to a 2-0 start or he will have the first disappointing moment of his Illinois career. Rutgers has been a perennial tail-ender in the Big East, while San Jose State has played as if it was allergic to defense the last couple of seasons.

Look for the Illini to start off with a simplistic goal on offense -- run the ball successfully. Zook believes that the combination of E.B. Halsey and Pierre Thomas can get the job done and help the Illinois defense stay off the field. Halsey enters his junior season after running for 461 yards and five touchdowns in 2004. Halsey can pound the ball between the tackles and cause problems if he gets into the secondary. Thomas has sprinter's speed and is coming off an 893-yard, 8-TD season.

Halsey was slowed by hernia last season, but he has won the job this summer and impressed Zook with his effort and determination. Look for a substantial start against Rutgers.

QB Tim Brasic had an impressive run in spring football and won the starting position. Brasic has decent size -- 6-2 and 200 pounds -- and has been very impressive in his decision-making ability. He has also been a very accurate passer in practice. If he can continue this trend during the regular season, perhaps Zook has a chance to lead this team out of the abyss and into mediocrity.

That would be enough for his first year.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Illini will try to get the job done with a basic approach -- at least at the start of the season. Ron Zook believes that RBs E.B. Halsey and Pierre Thomas are probably the two most dependable players on the team and he will give them a steady diet of carries. Halsey was slowed by injuries last year, but he is in excellent shape now and has won the starting job. Thomas has a ton of speed and should be able to hit the home run after Halsey has softened up the opponents. At least that's how it looks on the chalkboard.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Illinois offense has been inconsistent the last three years, but the defense has not. Unfortunately, it has been soft. Not only has the Illini been unable to hold the line against the run, the pass defense has been soft and yielding. The unit has a chance to be significantly better this year if the defensive line plays up to its potential. Returning starters DE Xavier Fulton, DT Ryan Matha and DT Chris Norwell have size, strength and attitude. Look for them to provide leadership to a unit that badly needs it.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I watched his work ethic and listened to him. He's a competitor and a winner. He's an unselfish guy who cares. That's what's fun about this whole thing right now." -- Zook on the effort and dedication that Halsey has shown since the start of spring practice and through the summer.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: vs. Rutgers, Sept. 3 -- These have been two of the least respected teams in college football over the years. While this game is hugely important to new coach Ron Zook, the same can be said of its importance to the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers defeated Michigan State in its opener last year and head coach Greg Schiano would like nothing better than to register a second win over a Big Ten opponent in as many seasons.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Pierre Thomas -- He has a chance to be a legitimate star in a conference with several great running backs. Because there are so many questions on the defensive side, it is incumbent on the Illini to play solid offense and run the ball effectively in order to take some of the pressure off the defense. Thomas ran for 893 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry a year ago and is ready to break free.

QB Tim Brasic -- In the final scrimmage of their Rantoul, Ill. training camp, Brasic completed 14-of-19 passes for 148 yards with a touchdown and did not turn the ball over. He appears to be growing in confidence and ability with each practice session.

DE Xavier Fulton -- Fulton has great moves and will work hard through the whistle. The Illini has lacked this kind of player through the last three seasons and head coach Ron Zook is counting on him to become a player to fear.

WR Kendrick Jones -- He has the size and strength to become a dominant receiver for Zook. Jones caught 47 passes a year ago and is the team's leading returning receiver. He could be the first option for Brasic.

P Steve Weatherford -- He has a remarkable leg in terms of distance and direction. Weatherford averaged 45.4 yards per punt a year ago and 23 landed inside the 20.

ROSTER REPORT: The Illini appear to be healthy going into their season opener, however, backup QB Kisan Flakes (suspension) is sidelined indefinitely.