Dave C.,

I think that number is very close. Missouri will be using so many receivers that the third linebacker won't see the field much. That will be the case for several future games.
The fifth defensive back will be determined based on the situation and the opponent. I think it will be some combination of Supo Sanni, Travon Bellamy and Bo Flowers.

Logan,

I've always thought Nathan Scheelhaase would redshirt unless there were multiple injuries at the position.
I thought he played well during Camp Rantoul. He's going to get better each week. And he will make a ton of improvement in the spring.
I think he has a chance to play in 2010. It's going to be Eddie McGee's job to lose, but I don't think it's a lock that he will be the starter.

J-Ran,

I'm with you. I have very little faith in the Wisconsin team this season. Maybe I'll be surprised, but I doubt it.
If you think of where the program was when Bret Bielema took over and where it is today, you'd have to say it's been a major slippage. Barry Alvarez can't be happy and I won't be stunned if he pulls a Bill Snyder and returns to the sidelines.
I think you are right on with the 3-9 to 5-7 pick. Maybe the Badgers will win six or seven.

Kevin,
Because Penn State is starting in the Top 10, it will get in the BCS title game with an undefeated season. You're right, the schedule is soft. Especially for a program that has been so good in recent years. Voters will remember the schedule, but won't penalize the Nittany Lions. There are enough tests in the Big Ten for Penn State to justify a title game with a 12-0 season.
I don't think the Nittany Lions will win every game. I think Ohio State has a chance in State College. So does Iowa. And Illinois can beat Penn State in Champaign.

Charley,

Thanks for the dinner offer. I think Washington is on the Illinois schedule in the future, but it is far, far away.

For the surprise star, how about Tavon Wilson. I'm guessing the replacement for Vontae Davis will have an interception. He might even return it for a score.

I think the game will be close and wide open. The Missouri offense is going to be very good, even with a young quarterback. I'm going to pick an Illinois win, 42-32.

Pete,

I talked with Clay Nurse about it this afternoon and he said the ends are thrilled to have Brent play. It opens up more opportunities for them to get to the quarterback. He also said Brent will be able to get into the backfield, too.
I think it was an easy choice for Ron Zook, one that won't get any public outcry.

Len,

Ron Zook hasn't rushed to get commitments in the past and won't as long as he's at Illinois. That worked last year, with Illinois landing Justin Green and Michael Buchanan late.
Also, for this class, there won't be a ton of guys. The number might even be in the high teens.

Michael,

Sorry about the problems. That's the first we've heard about it. We had more than 500 entries and the winner was from Jacksonville.
You can contact Dick Detzner if you have any more questions. He's at ddetzner@news-gazette.com.

Pete,

Jimmy John's. Often my post-press conference stop.

Ken,

It's called "Illini Insider" and it airs on WAND each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and after the 10 p.m. news.
Here is what sports editor Jim Rossow says: "We originally thought it would be like our Monday night radio show, where three News-Gazette sportswriters would be on the set. But WAND decided to help out and give us two of their sports anchors to add to the mix. It's not the format we expected, but we're OK with it.
"There will be two of us each week. Count on appearances from me, Bob Asmussen, Marcus Jackson and Steve Kelly. Paul Klee takes over for Bob during the basketball season."

Terry,

I don't know how to diagram a play during the chat. Maybe something like this: --------- -------- ------- ------. The dashes represent Green running away from the defense.
I think Green will be able to handle most of the offensive plays. He has good hands and his speed is off the charts.

Doug,

You've got it right, Jason Ford, followed by Mikel Leshoure. Dufrene won't play unless he is close to 100 percent. With so many options at tailback, there is no reason for the coaches to use somebody who isn't healthy.
If you made me guess right now, I'd say Dufrene playing is iffy. I'll know more tonight after practice.

Don,

He is not on the depth chart. He will be at cornerback this season and will likely play soon. Maybe this week, maybe not, but soon.
I think he will be involved in the special teams. And I'm guessing he moves back to offense next spring.

Peter,
Of the five games Illinois has played against Missouri, this would be the second time Illinois goes in with an advantage. The 2002 team was coming off a Big Ten title and had a handful of NFL receivers on the roster. But there was a new starting quarterback and Illinois lost.
That's where Illinois has an advantage: a returning starting quarterback against a newcomer at Missouri. And that's why I give Illinois the edge.
I think you are right, Illinois in Zook's fifth year needs to win the games when it is favored. Like this one.

Scott,

There hasn't been a lot of faith in this regime since it took over. Part of that is the panic of hiring somebody outside the Michigan family. Of course, it worked pretty well when the school hired Bo Schembechler.
I think Michigan needs to make serious improvement (at least seven wins) or it will consider looking elsewhere for a coach (Les Miles, perhaps).

JT,

Exactly. There is no way to properly follow schools that break this rule. They are basically working on the honor system. And I don't think it's reasonable to expect the players to limit themselves. That's why the rule was put into place, but it doesn't work.
My guess is Michigan won't receive major penalties if violations are shown to have happened. It will probably be ordered to give the guys a couple of weeks off and don't let it happen again. Which it will.

Dave,

Ron Zook.

It's his defense. Dan Disch and Curt Mallory carry out his plan. You're right that Mallory calls the plays down from the press box. But Ron Zook and Disch are both offering input.

Al,

I think there will be more aggressive play from the linebackers. And I think Illinois will try to put a ton of pressure on Blaine Gabbert, hoping to force an interception or two.

Pete, Earlzo and Mike,

I don't think there are many surprises in recruiting when it comes to the high-profile players. Even if the player doesn't talk to the coaches, they can still get word from parents, high school coaches, other players. And because Kyle is in an Illinois school, there are plenty of people who will be pushing Ron Zook's program.
When I talked to Kyle in the summer, I thought he was going to pick Illinois. But plenty happens in recruiting. He has had the other Illinois commits talking to him about the school. That doesn't always matter. If you dream of playing at a place like Southern Cal and they make an offer, you might forget everything else.
I think the current Illinois commits are working hard on the rest of the class. I don't think the names are the draw as much as the personalities of the players trying to do the luring.
Even if Prater makes a commmitment to Southern Cal on Wednesday, don't count on it being done until signing day. Plenty can happen between now and then.

Jordan,

One reason I thought Prater would pick Illinois is because his dad doesn't like to fly. The easiest choice from a convenience standpoint is Illinois. Maybe that has changed. Or maybe the family is moving to LA.
We'll all find out on Wednesday.

Matt,

Improved over 2008. Ron Zook made it a priority and that move appears to be working. The kickers and punters will have no weather excuses on Saturday. The return teams could be much better with Jarred Fayson on punts and Arrelious Benn and A.J. Jenkins on kickoffs.

Shief,

That's interesting that you compared the Illinois offense to those in the Big 12. I think that's a good call.
Missouri got hit hard by graduation, but does have good players back on offense. They just don't have the experience of some of the greats in the past.
I think the place where Missouri got hit hardest was at tight end. There's no way, in my opinion, for Missouri to improve this season at tight end.

Matt,

Get up, check email, go to work, interview a bunch of players and coaches, write stories, rinse, repeat.
Not what you would call exciting. But it is a lot of fun. And I really enjoy getting to meet the athletes, coaches and fans. I'd be watching games anyway. This way, I get paid. I can't imagine doing anything else.