Talk with Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:55 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Welcome back to another chat. There are a bunch of questions lined up and I promise to get to as many as possible.
Not sure exactly what sports editor/funnyman Jim Rossow wrote on HQ this morning. (He deleted it already and I can't find it). While I did go to Roncalli, I was not homecoming king. In fact, I don't remember homecoming at all.
Trip down memory lane over, now off to the chat.
John F. Whitlock from Charleston, IL. — 12:56 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
I've watched the Illini for over 46 yrs. We hire and fire coaches and we find ourselves at the bottom of the heap, again, still! Iowa, Northwestern, and Wisconsin have achieved consistent success. Isn't it obvious that the problem runs much deeper?
Can you think of anything worse for recruiting than to have 4-5 star players flop?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:58 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
John,
I would say Illinois should have an advantage on all three of the schools you named. Illinois has better facilities than Northwestern. Illinois has a better recruiting base than Wisconsin and Iowa.
And I think tradition favors Illinois over all three schools. Two of the greatest players in the history of the game went to Illinois. Everybody knows Red Grange and Dick Butkus. I don't think Iowa, Wisconsin and Northwestern have players in their past who are as easily recognized.
cmore from illinoisloyaltyville, il — 12:58 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
can we expect a flyover on saturday???
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:59 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
cmore,
I haven't heard any rumblings about a flyover, though I would like to see one. The weather is supposed to be nice enough, sunny and in the upper 50s. Let's hope so. Call your friends in the military.
Steve from Champaign Co, IL — 12:59 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
We needs 5 more wins and Zook knows it. Who are the next 2 players behind Juice to get benched.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:01 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Steve,
I think you might see a change or two on the offensive line. And I think the receivers after Arrelious Benn are vulnerable.
But you don't notice those other positions as much as you do quarterback. Multiple players rotate at receiver, running back, in the secondary and on the lines.
Think of what Illinois would be like if Will Davis and Brit Miller had redshirted in 2005. Both would be huge factors on this team.
al from Champaign, IL — 01:01 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Before the ISU game, Zook was indicated that Cordale Scott would be seeing more action. Since then, it seems, he's barely played. Was Scott used to motivate the other receivers?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:02 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Al,
I don't think so. I think the coaches thought he deserved more time. Since then, his work in practice must not be what they want to see. Otherwise, there is no explanation for it.
Travis G. from Savoy, Illinois — 01:02 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Are any other players going to be benched besides Juice? I think we need to start benching some of the RB's as well as other offensive players. Juice is NOT the only guy on offense who is screwing up.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:04 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Travis,
Ron Zook said today that Corey Lewis is going to get more time on the offensive line, which means less time for Ryan Palmer. And Graham Pocic will play more, which likely means less time for Randall Hunt.
The running backs did OK on Saturday, they just didn't get enough carries. Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford averaged 5 yards per carry. That's more than good enough in my opinion.
Bill Braski from Champaign, Il — 01:04 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob,
See if you can get coach Guenther to come on HQ for a chat. Illini nation have a few questions....
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:04 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bill,
That would be great. We will see if he is willing to do a chat. I think it would be very informative.
Bob from Wheaton, IL — 01:04 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob,
I've heard that Coach Schultz may have had something to do with Juice's benching. I can understand his frustration with the performance from the QB position this year but I don't think Juice has been the one calling swing passes out of the backfield on 3rd and 10. We've heard of Schultz' past success, but did this really work at TCU? What ever happened to getting past the sticks on 3rd down passes?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:07 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob,
Last year, TCU led the nation in time of possession, which might explain why the defensive numbers were so good. That always means TCU was piling up first down after first down.
I don't think there's any question that Ron Zook consulted Mike Schultz about the quarterback decision. Did Schultz push for it? No way to know unless they are willing to tell us and I don't see that happening.
I haven't heard of any rift between the coordinator and Juice. But when a guy keeps missing short passes, the coordinator is going to look for a solution, including bringing in somebody else.
Bill M from Tuscola, IL — 01:07 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Do you have any sense about how the struggles this season are impacting recruiting, either with regard to the strength of current commitment or our ability to secure new commitments?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:09 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bill,
I think the guys who have already made commitments are staying firm. I haven't heard of any defections. Of course, in recruiting, anything is possible.
Honestly, if the Illinois season continues on its current path, recruiting will be difficult. If Illinois gets it turned around, the coaches will recruit as they have in the past.
A bulk of the good recruiting work done by Illinois last year was later rather than earlier. And that was coming off a 5-7 season.
Illini Jon from Bloomington, Illinois — 01:09 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
I became done with Zook and his staff during the Ohio State game-2 weeks to prepare and that is the effort we put up? Inexcuseably pathetic. You are the team's beat writer and would know better than anyone-realistically how long are we going to have to put up with this before Zook is removed? Thanks!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:12 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Illini Jon,
I think you have to see how the season plays out. If the team doesn't win another game, then there will be a strong push to make a change. Two years after winning the Big Ten, Ron Turner's team went 1-11. Some at the time suggested he be removed, but he wasn't. He was given another year and then was out.
There are financial considerations. There are program considerations.
But what happens if Illinois wins 6 of its last 8, which given the competition is possible? You don't replace a coach who takes you to a bowl game.
See what happens in the next month.
Matt from Champaign, IL — 01:12 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
I think that Juice is getting a bad rap. Everyone notices that he has not been up to the same level as last year, but if they watch closer he is running for his life on every play. The offensive line is horrendous and needs to be reshuffled or moved around. I hope Mcgee plays better, but I don't see it making much difference if the line can't play better. What are your thoughts?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Matt,
Juice hasn't been helped much by his teammates. He did have to scramble more than he wanted. And receivers dropped passes. But a senior is supposed to be able to overcome that stuff and Juice hasn't. When he skips passes to receivers and overthrows screen passes, he has to take a bulk of the blame.
I don't believe Juice's career is over. I think sitting on the sidelines, watching, will help him. And I think if he gets back on the field, he'll be better. But his passing efficiency rating is among the worst in the nation. That's on him.
Jimmy from Bloomington, IL — 01:15 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Any word on how Juice is handling the benching? Also, I feel the booing on Saturday was not needed especially when you have recruits in the stands. Pro players you can boo until your heart is content but college kids get a pass but that is just my opinion. GO ILLINI!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:17 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Jimmy,
Juice hasn't been made available to us, which I think is a mistake on the school's part. Let him vent a little bit. I'm sure he's disappointed and frustrated. He should also be motivated by the benching.
I'm completely with you on the booing. I really don't like it, though this is America and when you pay your $60, you have the right to say anything you want. So, if somebody wants to be, that is there right. I know that I've told my kids we don't boo. Not even somebody really icky (Barry Bonds, for instance).
Tom from bloomington, IL — 01:17 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Seriously what happens if we only win 1 or 2 more games or worse! With RG supposedly retiring and a new school administration on the way who makes the decision about a new head FB coach? Will RG be the guy? Given the way his last two FB hires flopped and that he is a short timer I would NOT give that responsibility to him but how long would it take to find a new AD and given the state of flux with the school administration who would hire a new A.D.?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:20 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Tom,
There are a whole lot of hoops to jump through to get to that point. First, you have to see how the rest of the season goes. If the team finishes 2-10 and Ron Guenther feels a change needs to be made, he will make the change. He hasn't retired yet.
The process toward a new school administration started with the hiring of Stan Ikenberry as interim president. I don't think it will be too long before a president is picked and moves made at the campus level.
Bud from Lake Forest, IL — 01:20 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Dear Bob,
Let's look ahead.
Are Nathan Scheelhaase and Jacob Charest from programs that produce well rounded, recruitable quarterbacks year after year? I am thinking along the lines of Brentwood Academy (Nashville, TN) and Hoover HS (AL).
I think we would be better off with a Jason Campbell (Auburn) rather than Rohan Davey from LSU. Although both had much success, Campbell was clearly the more flexible, classic quarterback. Fans may recall that Davey used his powerful running/muscle to move the ball in a (frequent) pinch. Davey's style seems to more closely resemble our recent situation without LSU's success.
Thanks for the chats!
_Bud
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:22 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bud,
Nathan is from a Kansas City power, Rockhurst, which will be sending more players to the school. I don't know if there will be more quarterbacks like Nathan, who was a once-in-a-lifetime player for the school.
I don't see Illinois landing a ton of players from Charest's home area in North Carolina.
Mike from Urbana, IL — 01:22 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
With the question about potential AD successors if RG retires, do you agree that Shawn Wax is the heir-apparent Athletic Director?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:24 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Mike,
Shawn Wax is definitely the front-runner in terms of internal candidates, which would give him a chance to succeed Ron Guenther. What we don't know is how much support Wax will get from Guenther, which I believe will be critical to the naming of the next AD. Despite the troubles in football, Ron Guenther is well respected at the university level and will be the featured player in the search for his own replacement.
James from Greenville, SC — 01:25 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob,
Thanks for the chats. You do a great job. I think Juice is getting a raw deal. I know he's looked bad, but that was against arguably the best two defenses in the Big Ten. We get MSU and then two of the easier games on our schedule. He is obviously not the only problem on this team. My question for you is why doesn't the press ask Zook tougher questions? He has the same response after every embarrassing defeat. We've got to get back to the basics..or back to the drawing board... We're working hard to fix it....the players need to execute... blah,blah,blah. I'm pulling hard for Zook to turn this around, but I am losing faith in his ability to do so. He needs more heat from the media. Let's ask him why they keep saying they're going to go more vertical in the passing game, but they don't. Let's ask him why our defense either gets run through like swiss cheese or picked apart with fabric softener coverage. Let's ask if the problems in the secondary are a result of bad scheme or just bad recruiting from the past couple of seasons. The same goes for the linebackers constantly being out of position or missing tackles. I would just like to hear him put on the spot with more direct questions so we don't have to hear the same Ron Zook coachspeak after every miserable performance. Clemson fans are pretty irate down here, but atleast they compete in the games that they're losing.
Thanks again.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:27 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
James,
I can only speak for myself when it comes to asking questions and I believe I do my job in that area. Those questions have been asked. What we can't control are the answers.
But I don't believe there is a line that goes from the media questions to success on the field. The team will win or lose based on how it performs in practice, how well the players understand the plan, how well they are coaches, etc. We can ask him tough questions, but they won't have a great impact on the field.
Bruce P from Covington, Indiana — 01:27 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob.......although I'll admit to being as frustrated as everyone else, am I the only one that realizes Ohio State and Penn State are pretty good teams?
While I'll be the 1st to say we aren't competetive like I'd hoped, maybe a win or two would get these guys turned around, excited, and having fun again?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bruce,
I think Illinois has played three of the four most difficult teams on its schedule. Missouri, Ohio State and Penn State are a combined 12-2 this season. Cincinnati is the fourth school.
I thought Illinois would be 2-2 at this point, with wins against Missouri and Illinois State and losses to Ohio State and Penn State. The reason for the outcry is the nature of the three losses. There was no sense in the second half of any of those games that Illinois could win. That's why people are freaking out. Not the losses, but the type of losses.
You're right that a win or two would solve a lot of problems for Illinois. There isn't a whole lot of joy in Mudville right now.
Larry from Decatur, I: — 01:30 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
I was at the game Saturday and would like the players to know that the booing was not for them but the play selection. If you noticed most of the booing was after 3rd and long and they tried a short swing pass. It isn't just players that need to reflect on their proformance
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:31 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Larry,
I think you're right. But booing is booing if you're a player. You think it's directed at you even if it isn't.
I'm sure the meetings at the coaching offices are very serious these days. Lots of questioning about everything. They have to be looking for answers.
JE from Decatur, IL — 01:31 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
This team cant stop the run, cant defend the pass, and the coach cant seem to put the talented recruits in the right spot, what year do you see Illinois getting respectable?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:34 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
2007.
No, that's a joke. There are good players in the program right now. And Martez Wilson will be back next season. And Miami Thomas.
I think the Illini can get it turned around fairly quickly. Ron Zook went from two wins to nine in one season. There is more talent on the team now than when he arrived.
If the team rallies the final two-thirds of the season and picks up some wins, the road to respectability isn't that long. But if they finish 1-11, it could be a long, long haul.
a.a from savoy, illinois — 01:34 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
How many games do you think the illini will win?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:34 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
A.A.
Four, with wins against Purdue, Northwestern and Fresno State.
M. G. from Edwardsville, Illinois — 01:35 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Hey, Bob. Hope all is well with you and the family. There have certainly been comments about the offensive line, but I don't recall many comments or questions about the transition to Coach Gilbert, who, as I recall, was implementing a new blocking technique. Are there any transition problems in this regard as the offensive line is a critical part of what the offense can accomplish? Let's all good Illini hope for a string of victories and much more positive Internet chat. Hope to see you soon. Take care.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:36 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
M.G.,
Good to hear from you. I would thin the transition on the line would be minor because Coach Gilbert was here all spring. If he just got here at Camp Rantoul, then the change might be radical. But he has worked with the players for months.
The linemen all praised Gilbert for the work he was doing. The execution is the problem.
John J from Tucson, AZ — 01:36 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob -- I can't believe that I am now listening to podcasts on my computer, but I heard you complaining about 11:10 am starting times verses 6:00 pm. I have to tell you the 6:00 pm is completely inconsiderate of those of us who travel some distance to these games.6 I travel 1700 miles, but even when I lived in Chicago those games were a pain. . . and the Illini need us!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:38 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
John J.,
I can't believe I complained about an 11 a.m. kickoff. Did I really? I must have lost my head. I like 11 a.m. kickoffs, but I believe that 2:30 is the best time available. Good for tailgaters and for out of towners.
I'm really not a fan of 6 p.m. kickoffs because we are on a tighter deadline than in the past. We want the stories to be as strong as possible, so the more time, the merrier.
Robert from Chicago, il — 01:38 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob,
Is there an obvious divide on the team between the upperclassmen and newer players? It just seeems that since Leman, Miller and some of the O-line left there has been a clear lack of leadership (teammates constant bickering during games etc).. Ever since Cumberland broke Leoushore's jaw it has been one incident after another, I actually found it disspappointing when word came out that Juice & Benn had to "snitch" on teammates after Zook had banned them from bars.. McGee is final hope to turn season around IMO.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:39 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Robert,
I don't sense any rift. It seems like the players get along. That being said, I'm not at practice because of the media ban. In the past, I might have been able to pick up any tensions. It isn't as easy now. But we live in a fairly small city, so anything major would get back to us.
Ken from Urbana, IL — 01:40 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bob,
seeing your video blast about Mendenhall made me think about how his career ended at the UI.
Has the relationship between him and the UI staff improved?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:41 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Ken,
I haven't asked the coaches about Rashard in a while, but I know the Illinois players were thrilled for him. And I thin they expected to be very good at the next level.
I think the relationship has gotten better. It would be great to see him on the Illinois sidelines when the Steelers have a week off. Hope that happens.
Bill from Los Angeles, CA — 01:41 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
At what point do the Coaches take responsibility for producing a less than mediocre team year after year?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:43 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
Bill,
I think the coaches have taken responsibility and I think they should take responsibility. Bottom line, it is up to them to have the players ready for each game. If it isn't working, they are the ones who get the blame first.
Execution is part of it. But if the players aren't able to execute, you give them something else to do or you change the players. There is no draft. No waiver wire. They have all the players on hand that they are going to get.
joey from chicago, ill — 01:43 PM on Tue, 10/06/2009
don't understand the coaching staff at illinois u have a powerful back Mikel leshoure the only back that showed up in the st louis and ohio st game and then you don't play him in the penn st game what kind of crap is that? illinois has all kind of talent on that team they better start using it if they want to win any games.
Welcome back to another chat. There are a bunch of questions lined up and I promise to get to as many as possible.
Not sure exactly what sports editor/funnyman Jim Rossow wrote on HQ this morning. (He deleted it already and I can't find it). While I did go to Roncalli, I was not homecoming king. In fact, I don't remember homecoming at all.
Trip down memory lane over, now off to the chat.
I've watched the Illini for over 46 yrs. We hire and fire coaches and we find ourselves at the bottom of the heap, again, still! Iowa, Northwestern, and Wisconsin have achieved consistent success. Isn't it obvious that the problem runs much deeper?
Can you think of anything worse for recruiting than to have 4-5 star players flop?
John,
I would say Illinois should have an advantage on all three of the schools you named. Illinois has better facilities than Northwestern. Illinois has a better recruiting base than Wisconsin and Iowa.
And I think tradition favors Illinois over all three schools. Two of the greatest players in the history of the game went to Illinois. Everybody knows Red Grange and Dick Butkus. I don't think Iowa, Wisconsin and Northwestern have players in their past who are as easily recognized.
can we expect a flyover on saturday???
cmore,
I haven't heard any rumblings about a flyover, though I would like to see one. The weather is supposed to be nice enough, sunny and in the upper 50s. Let's hope so. Call your friends in the military.
We needs 5 more wins and Zook knows it. Who are the next 2 players behind Juice to get benched.
Steve,
I think you might see a change or two on the offensive line. And I think the receivers after Arrelious Benn are vulnerable.
But you don't notice those other positions as much as you do quarterback. Multiple players rotate at receiver, running back, in the secondary and on the lines.
Think of what Illinois would be like if Will Davis and Brit Miller had redshirted in 2005. Both would be huge factors on this team.
Before the ISU game, Zook was indicated that Cordale Scott would be seeing more action. Since then, it seems, he's barely played. Was Scott used to motivate the other receivers?
Al,
I don't think so. I think the coaches thought he deserved more time. Since then, his work in practice must not be what they want to see. Otherwise, there is no explanation for it.
Are any other players going to be benched besides Juice? I think we need to start benching some of the RB's as well as other offensive players. Juice is NOT the only guy on offense who is screwing up.
Travis,
Ron Zook said today that Corey Lewis is going to get more time on the offensive line, which means less time for Ryan Palmer. And Graham Pocic will play more, which likely means less time for Randall Hunt.
The running backs did OK on Saturday, they just didn't get enough carries. Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford averaged 5 yards per carry. That's more than good enough in my opinion.
Bob,
See if you can get coach Guenther to come on HQ for a chat. Illini nation have a few questions....
Bill,
That would be great. We will see if he is willing to do a chat. I think it would be very informative.
Bob,
I've heard that Coach Schultz may have had something to do with Juice's benching. I can understand his frustration with the performance from the QB position this year but I don't think Juice has been the one calling swing passes out of the backfield on 3rd and 10. We've heard of Schultz' past success, but did this really work at TCU? What ever happened to getting past the sticks on 3rd down passes?
Bob,
Last year, TCU led the nation in time of possession, which might explain why the defensive numbers were so good. That always means TCU was piling up first down after first down.
I don't think there's any question that Ron Zook consulted Mike Schultz about the quarterback decision. Did Schultz push for it? No way to know unless they are willing to tell us and I don't see that happening.
I haven't heard of any rift between the coordinator and Juice. But when a guy keeps missing short passes, the coordinator is going to look for a solution, including bringing in somebody else.
Do you have any sense about how the struggles this season are impacting recruiting, either with regard to the strength of current commitment or our ability to secure new commitments?
Bill,
I think the guys who have already made commitments are staying firm. I haven't heard of any defections. Of course, in recruiting, anything is possible.
Honestly, if the Illinois season continues on its current path, recruiting will be difficult. If Illinois gets it turned around, the coaches will recruit as they have in the past.
A bulk of the good recruiting work done by Illinois last year was later rather than earlier. And that was coming off a 5-7 season.
I became done with Zook and his staff during the Ohio State game-2 weeks to prepare and that is the effort we put up? Inexcuseably pathetic. You are the team's beat writer and would know better than anyone-realistically how long are we going to have to put up with this before Zook is removed? Thanks!
Illini Jon,
I think you have to see how the season plays out. If the team doesn't win another game, then there will be a strong push to make a change. Two years after winning the Big Ten, Ron Turner's team went 1-11. Some at the time suggested he be removed, but he wasn't. He was given another year and then was out.
There are financial considerations. There are program considerations.
But what happens if Illinois wins 6 of its last 8, which given the competition is possible? You don't replace a coach who takes you to a bowl game.
See what happens in the next month.
I think that Juice is getting a bad rap. Everyone notices that he has not been up to the same level as last year, but if they watch closer he is running for his life on every play. The offensive line is horrendous and needs to be reshuffled or moved around. I hope Mcgee plays better, but I don't see it making much difference if the line can't play better. What are your thoughts?
Matt,
Juice hasn't been helped much by his teammates. He did have to scramble more than he wanted. And receivers dropped passes. But a senior is supposed to be able to overcome that stuff and Juice hasn't. When he skips passes to receivers and overthrows screen passes, he has to take a bulk of the blame.
I don't believe Juice's career is over. I think sitting on the sidelines, watching, will help him. And I think if he gets back on the field, he'll be better. But his passing efficiency rating is among the worst in the nation. That's on him.
Any word on how Juice is handling the benching? Also, I feel the booing on Saturday was not needed especially when you have recruits in the stands. Pro players you can boo until your heart is content but college kids get a pass but that is just my opinion. GO ILLINI!
Jimmy,
Juice hasn't been made available to us, which I think is a mistake on the school's part. Let him vent a little bit. I'm sure he's disappointed and frustrated. He should also be motivated by the benching.
I'm completely with you on the booing. I really don't like it, though this is America and when you pay your $60, you have the right to say anything you want. So, if somebody wants to be, that is there right. I know that I've told my kids we don't boo. Not even somebody really icky (Barry Bonds, for instance).
Seriously what happens if we only win 1 or 2 more games or worse! With RG supposedly retiring and a new school administration on the way who makes the decision about a new head FB coach? Will RG be the guy? Given the way his last two FB hires flopped and that he is a short timer I would NOT give that responsibility to him but how long would it take to find a new AD and given the state of flux with the school administration who would hire a new A.D.?
Tom,
There are a whole lot of hoops to jump through to get to that point. First, you have to see how the rest of the season goes. If the team finishes 2-10 and Ron Guenther feels a change needs to be made, he will make the change. He hasn't retired yet.
The process toward a new school administration started with the hiring of Stan Ikenberry as interim president. I don't think it will be too long before a president is picked and moves made at the campus level.
Dear Bob,
Let's look ahead.
Are Nathan Scheelhaase and Jacob Charest from programs that produce well rounded, recruitable quarterbacks year after year? I am thinking along the lines of Brentwood Academy (Nashville, TN) and Hoover HS (AL).
I think we would be better off with a Jason Campbell (Auburn) rather than Rohan Davey from LSU. Although both had much success, Campbell was clearly the more flexible, classic quarterback. Fans may recall that Davey used his powerful running/muscle to move the ball in a (frequent) pinch. Davey's style seems to more closely resemble our recent situation without LSU's success.
Thanks for the chats!
_Bud
Bud,
Nathan is from a Kansas City power, Rockhurst, which will be sending more players to the school. I don't know if there will be more quarterbacks like Nathan, who was a once-in-a-lifetime player for the school.
I don't see Illinois landing a ton of players from Charest's home area in North Carolina.
With the question about potential AD successors if RG retires, do you agree that Shawn Wax is the heir-apparent Athletic Director?
Mike,
Shawn Wax is definitely the front-runner in terms of internal candidates, which would give him a chance to succeed Ron Guenther. What we don't know is how much support Wax will get from Guenther, which I believe will be critical to the naming of the next AD. Despite the troubles in football, Ron Guenther is well respected at the university level and will be the featured player in the search for his own replacement.
Bob,
Thanks for the chats. You do a great job. I think Juice is getting a raw deal. I know he's looked bad, but that was against arguably the best two defenses in the Big Ten. We get MSU and then two of the easier games on our schedule. He is obviously not the only problem on this team. My question for you is why doesn't the press ask Zook tougher questions? He has the same response after every embarrassing defeat. We've got to get back to the basics..or back to the drawing board... We're working hard to fix it....the players need to execute... blah,blah,blah. I'm pulling hard for Zook to turn this around, but I am losing faith in his ability to do so. He needs more heat from the media. Let's ask him why they keep saying they're going to go more vertical in the passing game, but they don't. Let's ask him why our defense either gets run through like swiss cheese or picked apart with fabric softener coverage. Let's ask if the problems in the secondary are a result of bad scheme or just bad recruiting from the past couple of seasons. The same goes for the linebackers constantly being out of position or missing tackles. I would just like to hear him put on the spot with more direct questions so we don't have to hear the same Ron Zook coachspeak after every miserable performance. Clemson fans are pretty irate down here, but atleast they compete in the games that they're losing.
Thanks again.
James,
I can only speak for myself when it comes to asking questions and I believe I do my job in that area. Those questions have been asked. What we can't control are the answers.
But I don't believe there is a line that goes from the media questions to success on the field. The team will win or lose based on how it performs in practice, how well the players understand the plan, how well they are coaches, etc. We can ask him tough questions, but they won't have a great impact on the field.
Bob.......although I'll admit to being as frustrated as everyone else, am I the only one that realizes Ohio State and Penn State are pretty good teams?
While I'll be the 1st to say we aren't competetive like I'd hoped, maybe a win or two would get these guys turned around, excited, and having fun again?
Bruce,
I think Illinois has played three of the four most difficult teams on its schedule. Missouri, Ohio State and Penn State are a combined 12-2 this season. Cincinnati is the fourth school.
I thought Illinois would be 2-2 at this point, with wins against Missouri and Illinois State and losses to Ohio State and Penn State. The reason for the outcry is the nature of the three losses. There was no sense in the second half of any of those games that Illinois could win. That's why people are freaking out. Not the losses, but the type of losses.
You're right that a win or two would solve a lot of problems for Illinois. There isn't a whole lot of joy in Mudville right now.
I was at the game Saturday and would like the players to know that the booing was not for them but the play selection. If you noticed most of the booing was after 3rd and long and they tried a short swing pass. It isn't just players that need to reflect on their proformance
Larry,
I think you're right. But booing is booing if you're a player. You think it's directed at you even if it isn't.
I'm sure the meetings at the coaching offices are very serious these days. Lots of questioning about everything. They have to be looking for answers.
This team cant stop the run, cant defend the pass, and the coach cant seem to put the talented recruits in the right spot, what year do you see Illinois getting respectable?
2007.
No, that's a joke. There are good players in the program right now. And Martez Wilson will be back next season. And Miami Thomas.
I think the Illini can get it turned around fairly quickly. Ron Zook went from two wins to nine in one season. There is more talent on the team now than when he arrived.
If the team rallies the final two-thirds of the season and picks up some wins, the road to respectability isn't that long. But if they finish 1-11, it could be a long, long haul.
How many games do you think the illini will win?
A.A.
Four, with wins against Purdue, Northwestern and Fresno State.
Hey, Bob. Hope all is well with you and the family. There have certainly been comments about the offensive line, but I don't recall many comments or questions about the transition to Coach Gilbert, who, as I recall, was implementing a new blocking technique. Are there any transition problems in this regard as the offensive line is a critical part of what the offense can accomplish? Let's all good Illini hope for a string of victories and much more positive Internet chat. Hope to see you soon. Take care.
M.G.,
Good to hear from you. I would thin the transition on the line would be minor because Coach Gilbert was here all spring. If he just got here at Camp Rantoul, then the change might be radical. But he has worked with the players for months.
The linemen all praised Gilbert for the work he was doing. The execution is the problem.
Bob -- I can't believe that I am now listening to podcasts on my computer, but I heard you complaining about 11:10 am starting times verses 6:00 pm. I have to tell you the 6:00 pm is completely inconsiderate of those of us who travel some distance to these games.6 I travel 1700 miles, but even when I lived in Chicago those games were a pain. . . and the Illini need us!
John J.,
I can't believe I complained about an 11 a.m. kickoff. Did I really? I must have lost my head. I like 11 a.m. kickoffs, but I believe that 2:30 is the best time available. Good for tailgaters and for out of towners.
I'm really not a fan of 6 p.m. kickoffs because we are on a tighter deadline than in the past. We want the stories to be as strong as possible, so the more time, the merrier.
Bob,
Is there an obvious divide on the team between the upperclassmen and newer players? It just seeems that since Leman, Miller and some of the O-line left there has been a clear lack of leadership (teammates constant bickering during games etc).. Ever since Cumberland broke Leoushore's jaw it has been one incident after another, I actually found it disspappointing when word came out that Juice & Benn had to "snitch" on teammates after Zook had banned them from bars.. McGee is final hope to turn season around IMO.
Robert,
I don't sense any rift. It seems like the players get along. That being said, I'm not at practice because of the media ban. In the past, I might have been able to pick up any tensions. It isn't as easy now. But we live in a fairly small city, so anything major would get back to us.
Bob,
seeing your video blast about Mendenhall made me think about how his career ended at the UI.
Has the relationship between him and the UI staff improved?
Ken,
I haven't asked the coaches about Rashard in a while, but I know the Illinois players were thrilled for him. And I thin they expected to be very good at the next level.
I think the relationship has gotten better. It would be great to see him on the Illinois sidelines when the Steelers have a week off. Hope that happens.
At what point do the Coaches take responsibility for producing a less than mediocre team year after year?
Bill,
I think the coaches have taken responsibility and I think they should take responsibility. Bottom line, it is up to them to have the players ready for each game. If it isn't working, they are the ones who get the blame first.
Execution is part of it. But if the players aren't able to execute, you give them something else to do or you change the players. There is no draft. No waiver wire. They have all the players on hand that they are going to get.
don't understand the coaching staff at illinois u have a powerful back Mikel leshoure the only back that showed up in the st louis and ohio st game and then you don't play him in the penn st game what kind of crap is that? illinois has all kind of talent on that team they better start using it if they want to win any games.