Linebacker wants a college football playoff

Bob Asmussen here. AND I NEED YOUR VOTE. There's still time to grade Ron Zook's Class of 2010 in our daily poll to the right. I've got a radio spot onWDWS and a TV spot on WAND, then I'll get back to your questions.

Let us know about the Class of 2010

Ranking the Big Ten

Here's how staff writer Bob Asmussen sees the 2010 Big Ten classes:

CHAMPAIGN – There have been easier classes to put together for Ron Zook. Like all of them.

On his way to signing 20 prospects Wednesday, the Illinois coach had to hire five coaches, gained and lost a handful of players, and had to deal with negative recruiting coming off a 3-9 season.

There are no five-star recruits like Martez Wilson or Arrelious Benn. The national rankings are far below the standard set in recent years.

Rivals.com has Illinois at No. 70, the lowest by 19 spots during the last nine years. Scout.com has the Illini at No. 52, five spots lower than the 2002 class.

With the start of National Signing Day for football 24 hours away, here are the current national rankings according to two scouting services, plus where Illinois and the rest of the Big Ten stand:

Decision will be announced at Proviso East