Spring football practice is more than half over, and while head coach Ron Zook likes what he sees so far, he acknowledges that big adjustments take time.

Zook anticipated the slow start, given that both his coaching staff and the no-huddle offense are new to the team.

“Our offense is not complicated; it’s just new,” Zook said. “Two years ago at Florida we played a true freshman quarterback; there’s no way it can be that complicated.”

Zook said the players have been working hard to adjust to the changes his new staff has implemented. He said players have been working out and watching film on their own to try to improve their games and be ready for the fall.

While Zook’s approach is different, he said there is a definite method behind it.

“What we do on offense is what I hate to see on defense,” Zook said.

Wednesday afternoon the team took to the field inside the stadium to run about 50 plays.

Zook said he is impressed with the way offensive coordinator Mike Locksley is handling Illinois’ offense. He said Locksley’s organization and competitiveness will rub off on his athletes.

“Mike’s not an ego guy and it’s not an ego staff; it’s (that) everybody wants us to be the best we can be,” Zook said.

SATURDAY IS STUDENT DAY

Illini football will hold its second official scrimmage of the spring tomorrow, taking the Memorial Stadium field at 9 a.m.

The scrimmage, which will start at 9:30, will be part of Illini football Student Day. Students and their family members on campus for Mom’s Day weekend are encouraged to come watch the scrimmage and talk with coaches and players after practice ends.

“Students are the lifeblood of the University and certainly bring a great amount of energy to sporting events,” head coach Ron Zook said in a press release. “I watched what they were able to do at Assembly Hall, the way they impacted games, and I know we need to get that same type of enthusiasm over at our football games.”

Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available at the scrimmage for $1 each.

More information on Student Day is available by contacting Allison Berg in the Illinois marketing office at 244-0062.

12TH GAME PROPOSED

When the NCAA Division I Management Council met April 11, one of the proposals before the council had significant implications for Big Ten football.

The council approved a proposal to add a 12th regular-season football game to each season, beginning in 2006.

For the proposal to become effective, the Division I Board of Directors will need to approve it at its meeting in two weeks.