Only the players can win the game

I am tired of reading about the University of Illinois football team. The Illini stink, and it is as simple as that.

The coach can only go so far. The players need to put the effort forward. Readers who watch teams from the SEC or other major conferences know they put it all on the line each and every play.

People complain the coach should not be paid all the millions of dollars he is paid. I agree with that 100 percent. The money coaches are paid is nuts. I believe they should only be paid by wins.

I say the heck with the amount of money that the UI makes from the sales and advertising. That's a whole new subject.

People need to get off the coaches' backs and start getting on the players' backs. Give the coaches a break. In order to have a great football team, there must be a team willing to play as a team. I just can't imagine the baby-sitting Coach Zook has to do behind closed doors.

MIKE LOMAX

Danville