Fourth-and-blog

5 days to 2009 opener

Posted by: Bob Asmussen

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 9:11 PM

As expected, Illinois coach Ron Zook approved Josh Brent's return to the field for Saturday's game. The consensus among most reasonable people was that Brent's month in jail was enough of a penalty.

Zook waited just days before the opener to announce the decision. He had multiple conversations with Brent during the weeks leading up to Tuesday's final call.

Brent will be closely watched off the field during the rest of the season. And beyond. If he gets into any trouble, you'd have to think he'll be removed from the team permanently. That's a heavy burden for a guy trying to turn his life around.

On the field, he's an important part of the Illinois defense. Without him, the Illini would be down to two defensive tackles with extensive experience.

To read Day 6, click here.

Fourth-and-blog

4 days to 2009 opener

Posted by: Bob Asmussen

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 9:26 PM

What's going to happen with the Illinois tailbacks on Saturday? Hard to know for sure, but we can guess.

Daniel Dufrene was back at practice Tuesday, as promised by Ron Zook. Dufrene had a brace specially fitted for his injured ankle.

Here's the dilemma for Illinois: Do you play a healthy guy (Jason Ford, Mikel Leshoure, etc.) or a guy who is coming back from injury?

It doesn't seem like much of a choice, unless Dufrene improves to 100 percent in the next three days.

Illinois needs him healthy for the long haul, not for one game. And because there are several tailback options, Dufrene won't have to play at less than 100 percent.

To read Day 5, click here.

 

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