Tom, if we knew the answer to that, or if Illini athletic directors and coaches knew the answer, maybe it could be solved. The answer, probably, is that Illinois, based on attendance and general conditions, is what I would describe as a "small market" team, and will always have trouble keeping up with bigger capital cities like Columbus and Madison, not to mention a Michigan program that has tremendous advantages. Loren

Al, we get questions like this all the time. Fans wonder why we don't throw to the tight ends or throw to Benn more, or throw to backs coming out of the backfield. Basically, Juice tries to find the open man no matter what his position. My main complaint is that we don't seem to have an answer to the blitzing defenders. Generally there is a hot receiver when teams blitz. Jim

Sorry, we can't decipher this one.

Steve, there will always be complaints by various fans who want to fire the coach after disappointing seasons. But Zook is not on the hot seat with either the media or the UI people who make the decision. He has a long-term contract and the full support from everyone who matters. Loren and Jim

Tony: Brock and Davis will, for the most part, play different positions. Look for Brock to be in a five-man guard rotation at three spots: Legion, Frazier, Meacham, McCamey and Brock. Look for Davis to be in a four-man rotation at the two up-front positions. Jim and Loren

Joe: I think Disch was quoted this past weekend as saying that Ellington will be bigger and stronger, and will compete at middle linebacker. He told me earlier that Staples and Frierson will be involved. When the middle is settled, they'll work on the outside with Thomas and Martez Wilson the likely starters. It is the only position of great concern for the defense. As for incoming recruits, I wouldn't care to speculate until we see them here. Loren

Quinton: The team is done practicing.
As for bowls, they will take teams with losing records if they have to. We don't hear anyone around here talking about Illinois in that regard. Jim

Sully: Vontae is avoiding media contact on the subject but he is probably gone. He needs to strike while the iron is hot.
If Locksley leaves, we assume Zook will look for someone beyond the current staff as offensive coordinator. Locksley may have a legitimate shot at the Syracuse job -- probably not Clemson -- and the odds are strong that he'll remain at Illinois. Loren

CAN'T GET THE GAMES:
I don't recall Channel 3 carrying Illini basketball games from places like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska ... they might have been elsewhere. The Big Ten Network has never promised to carry every basketball game involving every team. Jim

Concerned: We are not getting solid information from the coach on the reasons why Brent, Dufrene, Thomas, Rahkeem Smith and Wilson were not allowed to suit up. Nor was the information complete on Leshoure, although it is clear that Cumberland hit him. Lots of internal things happen with a 100-man squad, and Zook has clamped down on letting the information out. But, yes, it doesn't sound good. Loren and Jim.

Dan: From the time Palmer was hurt, and a raw freshman, Allen, was inserted at right tackle, the line seemed less productive. And then, in losing the ability to run, late-season opponents started blitzing, and the blockers didn't handle it well.
The safety positions were never filled with the maturity and striking ability that Harrison and Mitchell provided. And the staff benched Bellamy Saturday even though Hardeman was hurt. Next year should be better because both Bellamy and Hardeman should be better.
Yes, Vontae has the speed and hitting ability to play in the NFL. Loren and Jim

Justin: I think a lot about this team will be determined in the next four games. Kent State and Texas A&M are quality teams. Then we play Clemson and Georgia. This team appears to be a lot better than last year's, but the quality of competition so far makes it difficult to predict. The goal is to make the NCAA tournament no matter how many wins that takes. Jim