Adam,

I think you pointed out all the things the school is doing right for Ron Zook. I think he would like even more money for his assistant coaches. While Mike Locksley is getting extremely well paid (he deserves it, of course), I think all the coaches deserve big bumps. Ron Zook wants to keep everybody in place for as long as possible. There will be other opportunities for these guys, but I really think as long as their salaries are competitive, they will want to stay. I am always on the side of giving the assistant coaches a ton of money. They work harder than anybody in sports and I'm sure their long hours takes a toll on their families. So, compensate them as much as possible.
The seventh home game, in my opinion, is very important to this staff. They won't publicly criticize the current schedule. They are glass half-full types. But there is no way to justify playing Western Michigan in Detroit. Nonsensical is putting it politely. I think Ron Zook would love to play Notre Dame, but that isn't in Illinois' control.
My guess, if the program continues to build and have winning seasons, is that Ron Zook will retire at Illinois. And that retirement isn't any time soon. How about this for a crazy notion: Maybe he tries to pass Bob Zuppke as the school's all-time winningest coach (131). That would keep him at Illinois for a while.

Tom,

I saw Miami Thomas at the Fan Appreciation Day event and he looked fine. I think there is some concern about the health of his shoulder. I'll check with Ron Zook today and we'll know more later in the week.

Chester,
Troy Pollard has a high ankle sprain and his status is day-to-day. Is it possible he could miss Missouri? Maybe. We'll know soon and keep you updated. Illinois has depth at the position, with Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford playing very well as backups to Daniel Dufrene.
Ron Zook said Xavier and Donsay could have played Saturday had their been a game. That means, barring something else happening, that they will be ready for Missouri.
Nothing new to report from Saturday, but I will have to make a thorough check during today's practice.
I hope anybody coming to Camp Rantoul realizes the schedule has been flipped, with the team having a single session today and a double session Tuesday. Anything beyond that is TBA.

Ronnie,
I have long thought that, if healthy, Troy Pollard might be the long-term answer at tailback. Until he got hurt in 2007, he was playing very well. I don't know how hard it will be for him to come back from the knee injury, but I had heard good things about his summer work. The fact that he has four years left is a huge plus to Illinois.

Steve,
Great question. One I have been trying to get an answer to. I've called Mediacom's national headquarters and haven't heard back. It's a shame that hasn't been resolved. I figured once Comcast settled that all of the other cable companies would fall into place.
I'd suggest calling your cable company and mention that there are satellite providers you might consider switching to. The companies seem to react best when the push involves the bottom line.

Bob,
I agree that the linebacker situation beyond this year looks like a potential problem. But I'm sure there is a plan, including use of the current freshmen.
The coaches will also bring in more freshmen in next year's class and I think you might see a JC player or two, especially if they can get the player to come in January. That worked out well for Illinois with Steele, who was really good by his second year.
There are also options to move players from other positions. You will have to wait to see who those players might be.