Illinois football chat: 1 p.m. Tuesday
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 1:00pm
Talk with football beat writer Bob Asmussen after the Illinois-Penn State game
Talk with football beat writer Bob Asmussen after the Illinois-Penn State game
Welcome back to another chat. I'm going to get started right away because we have a bunch of questions.
While watching Juice against MSU I noticed something I hadn't really noticed before, mainly because he would just pull it down and take off in the past. He had some very serious happy feet. I am beginning to wonder if he has trust issues with his O line. During some of the plays that he was dancing on, the line was actually affording him some time, yet he just seemed nervous, and there were two occasions where had he had wide open receivers that he never took the time to find.
Do you think he just doesn't see the field well, or has the perceived, and sometimes very real, pressure started to affect his decision making?
Kraemer,
I think it's a combination of both. Sometimes he doesn't see the field well. And other times, the protection breaks down and he is forced to move.
If the line was playing better, he would be more comfortable staying in the pocket. But there is something to the happy feet theory.
I think the offensive line in 2007, in hindsight, was very, very good and very, very underrated.
Bob:
Maybe I'm living with my rose colored glasses on, but I thought for the first time in a long time, the team started playing hard in the second half against Michigan State. They were hitting and causing turnovers, which hasn't happened in a long time.
Is it a flash in the pan, or has something clicked?
Larry,
It's possible something clicked. But I also think Michigan State turned very conservative in the second half on offense and on defense. They wanted to get out of C-U with a win. Period. Had Donsay Hardeman not made a great play to stop a Michigan State touchdown, the second half could have been more of the same for Illinois.
I do think Illinois has a good chance to win Saturday. And any win against any team is good for the Illini right now.
Bob: Which of Alaskan Illini's greatest hits (http://www.alaskabrasswerks.com/Alaskan_Illini.html) is your favorite? I'm partial to Da Doo Ron Ron!
Chuck,
I just looked at that site. Very interesting. I couldn't get to any of the songs on my computer, so I will take your word that Da Doo Ron Ron is the best.
Hey Bob,
Obviously this team has alot of problem areas around night, specifically the entire defense and offensive line. We are hearing alot about changes that are going to be implmented and that guys deeper on the depth chart are going to start to see time. Maybe be I'm a bit skeptical, but if there were answers on the bench capable of making a difference, wouldn't we have already seen those guys already and doesn't this kind of point to problems not just now, but in the immediate future (next year and so forth).
Can you name some players on the bench that have the potential to shore up some of the obvious problem areas (specifically at safety and offensive line)?
That way I can get these kids some time sooner rather than later.
Ron,
Walter Aikens looked good off the bench against Michigan State and will get more time at safety. I still think Michael Buchanan is going to be a good player, just not immediately.
The team took a big hit when Eric Watts decided to return home. I think he had a chance to be a good player.
Terry Hawthorne will get more time later in the season. Hopefully, so will Justin Green. The freshmen defensive line will be good in time, but aren't ready to help now. Same with some of the offensive linemen. But I'm getting good reports.
I'm going to take a break from questions for a minute to let you know about the new Big Ten bowl agreements, which will go into place starting with the 2010 season.
The Rose, Capital One and Outback remain a part of the league's bowl package. But the Big Ten has added the Gator Bowl and Dallas Football Classic, giving it five New Year's Day games. That, to me, is very good for the Big Ten. The Dallas Football Classic is the surprise in the mix. The Dallas Football Classic, which will be held at the Cotton Bowl, matches the Big Ten against Conference USA.
The league also has deals with the Insight and Texas bowls.
I caught some of the IU-VA game last Saturday - IU is atrocious. If we are unable to beat them 1-11 is a lock. Would that be enough to show Coach Zook the door?
Illini Jon,
I think 1-11 will mean a coaching change at Illinois. I also think Illinois will beat Indiana.
Hey Bob,
The O line makes every one look good even the defense. It makes sense to make this a point of emphasis. Wasn't there a new coach brought in for that position as well
Jim,
Joe Gilbert is the new offensive line coach. He replaced Eric Wolford, who is enjoying a big season at South Carolina. The players all raved about Gilbert, but it isn't working on the field.
Bob,
Thanks for taking my question and we all appreciate the time you take on your chats. You are a true professional.
I saw some improvement in the second half of Saturday's game but do you attribute that to MSU taking their foot off the pedal or did the players pick up their intensity? Or maybe a little bit of both?
Thanks
Tank,
I think it was a little bit of both. I do think the Illinois players, especially on defense, realized they needed to start playing a lot better. And I think they did.
One thing to remember, Michigan State didn't use its starting quarterback until the final series of the game. Kirk Cousins is better than Keith Nichol.
Bob - Thanks for the chats
OK at most schools you got an offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and a special teams coach that call the plays for there respective areas during a game.
Can you tell me what a head coach actually does during a game?
Craig,
Some head coaches take on part of the playcalling. They will handle either the offense or defense. But I think that happens less now than in the past.
Mostly, the coaches are overseeing what is going on in all three phases, making suggestions to the coaches. They are also working on the players, encouraging, berating, whatever needs to be done. I think it is much a CEO situation at most schools.
Hi Bob,
Do you believe that if Zook didn't have all that money owed to him, Guenther would be more willing to make a change? It seems quite evident that this is the main factor in keeping Zook here. I truly believe that if this were strictly about football Zook would be out the door.
Alon,
I don't think it's just money. If you want to move on, you can always find the money. I think it's difficult for an athletic director to say, "I've got the wrong guy." Twice. I think Ron Guenther wants to give Ron Zook a chance to work out of it. But what won't happen is what happened with Ron Turner, a third unsuccessful season in a row.
I know you're paid to be a journalist and it's just "part of the job," but I'm wondering what kind of toll this losing season has taken on you and perhaps other media members covering the UI football team. I mean, it must feel pretty crummy having to repeatedly report bad news and interact with the scathing fan base. Your thoughts?
Paul,
We are humans (sort of). So, of course, you feel for the people involved. You get to know the coaches and players and you tend to like most of them. Nobody in the media will say a bad word about Mike Schultz, who has been great to work with since he got here.
All that being said, our job is to step away from it all and not let it make an impact on what we do. Would it be more fun to cover a winning team? Of course. But we have no control over that. I've never recruited a player, called a play or run a practice. All we can do is tell you what we see and what we think.
I appreciate your concern. And the fans are what I care about most. If they are scathing, then it's my job to deal with it. I'm just glad there is interest.
FYI - at this point - Locksley to be suspended one game (let's wait til 2 pm press conference) - if so, is this fair, or too easy? (eight days w/o pay, contact)
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4556183
Charley,
That's what I heard too. I'm sure the school investigated very thoroughly. I think it's probably right. And he can't do anything like this again. He's had the worst year of any first-year coach that I can remember, on and off the field. He needs to get it turned around in a hurry.
Regardless of what happens with the coaching position is there reason for any optimism next year?
Given the lame duck situation of the University top officers and trustees is there any reason to think a coaching and/or AD change would occur even if we only win another game?
Tom,
There are still people in power and if football looks unfixable, they will make changes. Ron Guenther has another full year on his deal. As much as he wouldn't want to do it, he would make a move if he thought the future looked hopeless.
There are a lot of good young players in the program. Martez Wilson and Miami Thomas are coming back next season. I think Nathan Scheelhaase is going to be a special quarterback. So, yes, there are some signs of life for next season.
If you were New Mexico, would you fire or reprimand Locksley?
I am aware of an announcement anytime today.
If he is let go, where do you think he will end up? Maryland? (as Asst. Coach?)
Charley,
I don't think they need to fire him if all of the information is out there. I think they are making the right call. And I'm guessing he is at New Mexico next season with a new lease on life and his career. The 2009 season can't end soon enough. Remember, he inherited a fading program. It wasn't supposed to happen overnight.
The Chicago media was reporting on Saturday that if the Illini didn't beat Michigan St. that Coach Zook would be fired after the game. Obviously that did not happen. What can you tell us about Coach Zook's job status?
Chris,
Ron Zook has four years left on his contract after this season. As I read it, the school would owe him $5.2 million, which could be paid in yearly installments of $1.3 million.
I don't think a decision has been made about the future. I think the school administration will let the season play out. And I think that's the right way to go. What if Illinois wins its final seven games and you've already fired the guy? That wouldn't be smart.
For the sake of argument if a coaching change is necessary would the administration trust Guenther to do it alone given that his two hires haven't worked out? Would they require that the AD work along side a search committee?
Tom,
That's an unknown at this point. There might be some direction given, but right now the school has an interim president and a chancellor who is in deep trouble. So, it's hard to imagine they would get very involved in football. The board might step in, but they are new too.
Bob, do you think they will ever settle on on RB so someone can get into a routine or mayber just 2. Durfrene and Ford seem to be the best imo right now but they only get 6-10 carries. I think getting an established runner or just 2 would help. Also when are we going to go down the field more? More deep passing routes? During the ms game we came real close to some good connections. thanks
Todd,
I agree with you on the running backs. And I think the guy is Mikel Leshoure, who has the best combination of running and catching abilities.
Teams are taking away the deep pass from Illinois and forcing the quarterbacks to complete passes in front of them. As soon as those passes are completed, the deep ball becomes more available.
Did you just say, "What if Illinois wins its final seven games"?! Can I have some of what you're smokin'?
Dano,
I don't believe that will happen, but you never know. I didn't think the Rockies would get into the playoffs when they hired Jim Tracy, but it happened. You never know.
That was an exaggeration for dramatic purposes.
Is Ron Guenther in a bunker right now? Have you tried to get him to go on record re: the season so far? Do you expect him to publicly comment soon? Finally, do will "Coach Guenther" give Coach Zook a Vote of Confidence - I say he will?
Fan Man,
Ron Guenther is very difficult to reach for the media. Not just The News-Gazette, but beyond. Loren Tate has the best access to him because of their long relationship. As athletic directors go, Ron Guenther has about as little of media access as anyone. I think that's his preference. If he doesn't want to talk, he doesn't have to talk. I wish he would.
I don't think a vote of confidence is coming. Not when a guy has four years left on his deal.
In the event that Zook is fired before or after the season. I believe that it can only be good for UI. For one there has been a serious investment in facilities and stadium improvements that wasn't seen previously. Fans have gotten a taste of what success is and now we want more and more consistently. Also the talent that will be returning next year can compete for Big Ten Title and we have committed recruits that if they sign will be added to the talent we already have. There is alot at stake here and that will force who ever is making the decision to Hire a coach that can put everything together and win NOW... Similar to what Zook left at Florida for Urban Meyer, he has changed this team and has put talent and speed and that is attractive to the next HC. Top Coaches and even up and coming coaches wouldn't have given UI a look 5 yrs ago. That isn't the case now. UI is very attractive to coaches looking to get back into coaching and even coaches that get fired or even assistants that are looking to run their own program. We are in a big time conference and we are hungry and loaded with talent. The problem is money. I have no confidence that UI is willing to fire Zook and pay out his contract and then Pay a Top Tier Coach more then what Zook is making. That's been the difference between UI being a powerhouse and being bottom feeders. Not only do you have to pay Zook and the new coach, the new coach may want certain assistants and that means more money. If I was the AD, I'd do it because the retunrn on that gamble looks great. Picture hiring Tommie Tuberville, or Tommie Bowden(former coach at Clemson) Turner Gill, Skip Holtz, Bronco Mendenhall, etc. I would go with a coach that has the Name recognition and that has actually ran a program and put players in the NFL. UI has a long way to go to become a Power house but in order for that to happen either Zook needs to get his act right and at least get 6 or 7 wins this year and bring in certain types of assistants and build on that or UI has the pony up the money to buy Zook out and Bring in a HC that everyone respects and has name recognition and allow him to hire a staff that can teach this game and also be outstanding recruitiers. This new coach can't be someone less then Zook. So UI if you are reading you are officially on the clock. Either force Zook out and bring in the right coach or keep Zook and believe that he will go 10-2 next year..
Ralph,
You have obviously put a lot of thought to it. Not much for me to add.
Eddie McGee looked like a deer in the headlights on Saturday. I'm not the biggest Juice fan but it was evident to me we need to stay with him these next 3 games. He threw some great balls and there was that feeling in the air that he might lead us back. Actually I thought Zook made a mistake and should have brought Williams in after McGee failed in his first series of the second half. That interception return was a killer. Your thoughts ?
Buzz,
I was surprised Juice didn't start the second half. Though no decision has been announced, I expect Williams will be the starter against Indiana and for the rest of the season.
This does not bode well for Eddie in 2010. I think it will be somebody else starting.
I guess Juice is back at QB. How long a leash do you think he has?
Dano,
Extremely long. I think the coaches realized, in hindsight, that they might have won the game had Juice gone the whole way against Michigan State.
Bob,
What's the latest with Lendell Buckner and Leon Hill? I thought Lendell would get some playing time at DT with his size. Is it conditioning or are they thinking of redshirting him? Also is Leon Hill leaving the team?
Will,
Lendell Buckner is on the roster. I believe he will redshirt. He wasn't ready physically to play in the Big Ten. Leon Hill is not. I was told he had transferred to Northern Illinois, but he is not on the roster there. I will check into it.
Bob:
What in the world is it going to take to get the biggest clown in creation, Ron Guenther, out of office? 18 years and 121 football losses later, and the guy is still employed. We are so small time, it is pathetic. When is this university going to realize that he has been an 18 year mistake?
IlliniHimey,
I'm not going to defend Ron Guenther to you. I think the school will look at the totality of his work, not just the football program. Basketball has been very good to great. Other sports have achieved at a high level. The facilities are now on par with others in the Big Ten. The program has stayed mostly out of trouble and out of debt. Those are the reasons Ron Guenther's tenure continues.
Soon, he will move on. Not sure who will be next as AD.
Hi Bob,
Now that the McGee/Juice experiment during the Michigan State game is over and proved unsuccessful, when do you think we'll begin cutting our losses and planning for next year with getting game time for Jacob Charest? I'd rather see a fresh face out there with the hopes of building our next QB...
Cory,
Ron Zook was asked about that today and said they have talked about Jacob. But he also said it is hard to get three quarterbacks ready to play. If the team continues to struggle, I think Jacob will get some time on the field. I'd like to see it.