Zook, Illinois aim to nix November fade

Perhaps six seasons isn't enough of a sample, but Illinois hasn't been as good in November compared to other months during Ron Zook's tenure.

Heading into Saturday's game against Northwestern at Wrigley Field, Zook's Illini are 5-15 in November. That includes six battles with ranked opponents, or 30 percent of those games.

In all other months, Zook's Illini teams are 21-29. That includes 14 ranked opponents (or 28 percent of the games), but also features five wins over Div. I-AA schools.

Regardless of whether it's a trend or a statistical anomaly, Zook wants this year's team to play like it did in September and October.

After the games on Oct. 30, the Illini ranked 12th nationally in scoring defense and 15th in yards allowed.

After surrendering 105 points and 1,037 yards in the Michigan and Minnesota losses, Illinois stands 52nd in scoring defense and 38th in yards allowed.

Zook didn't itemize the team's defensive adjustments for this week when he spoke with reporters Tuesday, but he seemed satisfied with them.

“We've just got to go back and play the way we played in the past,” Zook said. “Like I said, the first eight games. There's some things I think we can do to help that. I think we've got it rectified. Now we'll find out if it works.”

Zook assumes Illinois will need to make more than the usual number of in-game adjustments because new Northwestern quarterback Evan Watkins is mostly unknown.

At the same time, he's more concerned about restoring his defense's confidence than fretting about Xs and Os.

“They're the same guys, the same coaches, that played in those first eight games,” Zook said. “They're still a good defense, they're still good coaches and they're still going to play the way they're capable of playing. I believe that and we're going to go from there.”

Frierson dismissed:

Three days after being arrested and charged with felony aggravated battery, true sophomore linebacker Evan Frierson was removed from the program.

Frierson, who was Martez Wilson's backup at middle linebacker, stuck primarily to special teams this year and provided 6 tackles in 9 games.

He's the sixth player in his 20-man recruiting class either to be dismissed or to leave the program of his own accord.

“Every situation's different,” Zook said. “My big thing is I wanted all the information and all the details. I'm all about giving opportunities and giving chances … but I think it was important that I make a statement right away.”

On Wrigley:

Though Ron Zook and other Illinois officials have toured Wrigley Field, the players and assistant coaches get their first look during Friday's walkthrough.

Zook has seen pictures of the tight fits in certain corners of the field, but isn't too concerned about the proximity of some brick walls.

“I just told (the players) it'll get them ready for the Arena League,” Zook joked. “I don't think it's as big a deal as everyone's trying to make it, myself.

“Now, looking at the pictures, there are a couple areas that are tight. I don't think it's quite as big a deal as it's made out to be. Now, I may get there and think differently after the game.”

No ‘el' ride:

Northwestern planned for its travel squad to don coats and ties and ride the train from Evanston to Wrigleyville on Saturday morning.

NU coach Pat Fitzgerald declared Tuesday that it's not going to work. Now all of the Wildcats will take the bus to Wrigley.