CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (SHEEL'-hows) and the Illini watched their season fall apart last year.

Six losses to close the regular season cost coach Ron Zook his job. The Illini beat UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl to salvage some pride and key players, including Scheelhaase, decided to come back and play for new coach Tim Beckman.

Illinois opens the season Sept. 1 against Western Michigan. The Big Ten schedule includes road trips to Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State.