Illinois football postgame chat: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Saturday, October 31, 2009 - 7:30pm

Talk with football beat writer Bob Asmussen after the Illinois-Michigan game

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:28 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Welcome back to another chat. I've still got some stories to write for Sunday's edition, so I'm going to answer a few questions, then take a short break.
Away we go.

Dan from Champaign, IL — 07:28 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob,

is Flowers still with the team? Have heard conflicting rumors recently

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:29 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Dan,

Bo Flowers is no longer with the team. I didn't realize it until earlier in the week. He was apparently unhappy with the lack of playing time and has a lot of things going on in his personal life. Nothing bad, of course.
He's older than the average college player and he might have decided to move on with his life.

W. Spearman from Yuma, Arizona — 07:30 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

With Cooper canceling his visit and looking elsewhere as well as Fiedorwitz
have we lost them?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:30 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

W.,

As I understand it, Corey didn't cancel his visit. There was a miscommunication that has been resolved. His coach said he thinks Corey will sign with Illinois.

I will try to talk to CJ soon. Saturday's game will help the Illinois cause.

Andy from Ames, Iowa — 07:31 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Hey Bob,
I know that Prater's official visit is today, but do you think there is a chance he will come back when Cooper visits in December? Maybe between Cooper and Chandler they can change Prater's mind?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:32 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Andy,

I think Illinois gave Kyle Prater every reason to reconsider the school. I won't be surprised if he picks Illinois.

Give Dan Disch a lot of credit for keeping Prater interested. I saw Kyle today and he looked like he was enjoying the trip.

Brad from Champaign, IL — 07:32 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

does this mean that we wont be seeing Charest anymore this year?

Or just depend on how things are going?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:33 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Brad,

I think it will depend on how things are going. I understand why Illinois stayed with Juice, especially after taking the lead in the third quarter. But Jacob is ready to go and I think he will get more time.

Peter from St. Louis, MO — 07:33 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob,

Where was Rejus all day? I would assume he had to be nicked up, didn't see him after the first quarter.

Mike from Moline, IL — 07:33 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

What happened to Benn?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:34 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Mike, Peter,

Arrelious reinjured his ankle. It doesn't sound like it is real bad. Hopefully, we'll know more tomorrow.

Charley from Bellingham, WA — 07:34 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Will the win today have any influence on Prater's visit this weekend?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:35 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Charley,

I think it will certainly help. I think he was in the locker room after the game and he got to see a fired up team. The timing couldn't have been better for Illinois.

Don R from Normal, Ill — 07:35 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob: I think that the o-line and defense are finally coming together. What is your opinion.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:36 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Don,

They definitely played better today. Of course, we should point out that Michigan isn't Ohio State or Penn State. Not now. But Illinois got after Tate Forcier on defense and ran over the Wolverines on offense.

Meatman from Boynton Beach, Fl. — 07:36 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

How about Ron Zook for Governor?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:37 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Meatman,

It shows you how crazy college football can be. One day, you're a bum. The next day, you're a hero. The reality is somewhere in between.

Ron Zook, I believe, would be on the Republican ticket. I don't see him going to Springfield.

Ryan from Champaign, IL — 07:37 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

No question here, just wanna say that I'm glad to see Ron Zook get a big win. Maybe not the best football coach, but definitely a class act and has been throughout this tough season. Congrats Coach Zook and the Illini football team.

P.S. Terry Hawthorne is my new favorite Illini

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:38 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Ryan,

I hope they are all reading IlliniHQ.

Shamous from Waukegan, IL — 07:38 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Hey Bob,

Any word on other recruits (besides Kyle Prater) who were in town for the weekend? Besides the booing, doesn't get much better for recruits than today.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:39 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Shamous,

I don't know who else was in town. We will try to find out. The folks at Illinois seemed to be paying very close attention to Prater.

Go Illini! from CU, IL — 07:39 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob -

The Zooker is back baby!! Did you see all that fine coaching in action? The recruits will be streaming in for sure! Terry Hawthorne is the spark we have been looking for on defense. #5 is once again the answer for illini fans. Look for juice to sustain this next week.

Josh from kc, missouri — 07:40 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

I just want to say its nice to see some hustle from our team especially from the freshman Hawthorne and i cant wait for these young guys to get in next year and see what they truly can do. I would like to hear over and over Scheelhaase to Hawthorne if Terry gets back on the offensive side of the ball. Speaking of Scheelhaase was he on the sidelines Bob I was watching the game on Espn2 and did not see him next to coach sending plays in? Just curious if you know.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:41 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Josh,

Nathan was on the sidelines and appeared to be signaling in the plays next to Reggie Mitchell. I watched for a few plays. Maybe the cameras had a bad angle.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:41 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Folks,

I'm going to take a quick break and get back to my stories. I'll return to the chat at about 8 or so. Thanks for your patience.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:53 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

I'm back for a few more questions. You can read by game story on HQ now. No surprise, it's all about Terry Hawthorne.

gw blade from batestown, il — 07:53 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Loren Tate states that one man needs to make a decision instead of a committee. In any corporation this is not the case. Has Loren lost his mind? Several opinions will allow for a more comprehenise intelligent decision. Tate's only reasoning is personal.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:58 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

gw,

I can't answer for Loren.

The one-man selection committee eliminates media leaks. Of course, I like those leaks. They tend to lead to breaking stories by The News-Gazette. And that's what our paper should always be rooting for.

With a one-man selection committee, I think you miss out on the chance for somebody to say, "That's a terrible idea." You are basically counting on the ability of one person to make the call. As long as you trust the person, that's OK. I think you can do just as much good and be just as secretive with two or three tightly knit people. I think a small selection committee is the way to go on many hires.
I'll give you a newspaper example. When we have an opening in our sports department, Jim Rossow picks out the people he thinks should be interviewed. But the staff gets to meet that person. That's how we got a great writer like Paul Klee, who clicked with the staff. Easy hire, though there were other great candidates.
So, if it can work for a newspaper hire, it can work for a coaching hire.

Al from Milwaukee, WI — 07:58 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob, thanks for taking my question, Mike Garrity #57 was on the sidelines and dressed for today's game. I was under the assumption when you are charged with FELONY aggravated battery Ron Zook would dismiss you from the team at least until after you take care of your legal issues, guess not? Do you have an update on his status with the team?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 07:59 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Al,

I think Ron Zook is allowing the legal system to work its course, just like he would with any other player. Garrity hasn't been convicted. I think Ron Zook is giving him the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure there have been a lot of converssations about it, just like with Josh Brent's case.

karm from Chicago, IL — 08:00 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

I didn't see Dere Hicks at all today. Was he hurt, or was that a coaching decision?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:00 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

farm,

Dere did play today. He was credited with one tackle. But I don't think he was on the field much.

Scott from Champaign, IL — 08:00 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Halloween was an appropriate day for the Fighting Illini to come back from the dead and play the way they are capable of. What's the likelihood they're able to sustain this new life and keep winning? Also, major props to Terry Hawthorne - my MVP of the game!

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:02 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Scott,

After today, I don't know what to think. I would have thought Michigan would score from the 1. But it didn't. And Illinois took advantage of it. Maybe Illinois will run off a string of wins. It's a wacky game.

brian from Lincoln, NE — 08:02 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob - Love the chats. Not sure if this has been asked, but what does the win today do for Zook's job? I was hearing that a loss today pretty much guaranteed his removal at the end of the year.

Also, your thoughts on Prater's visit. Any shot at him?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:03 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Brian,

I think the win does Ron Zook a ton of good. Not just the win, but the way the team played. I think Ron Guenther's announcement last week took off a lot of the pressure.

I think Illinois did itself a lot of good with Kyle Prater today. The fact that he's looking at all tells you a lot.

Tom from Peoria, Ill — 08:03 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Just a comment . . . I was at the game today and must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the fan turnout. I was afraid that many had abandoned the season and it was good to see all the loyal orange and blue cheering for the home team !!!

Grady from Saint Joseph, IL — 08:04 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

I'm a big fan of the theory of...If It Isn't Broke...Don't Try To Fix It. We certainly looked awfully good today in several phases of the game, so why not stick with the same lineups for the rest of the season? Your thoughts? Did you see any weak spots where you would have preferred to see other players in the lineup?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:04 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Grady,

That makes a lot of sense. I would think several guys have earn continued or extensive playing time. Terry Hawthorne should be tried at receiver, too.

redgrange77 from Frisco, TX — 08:05 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob-
Great win. I think Charest should have been put in the game last 4 minutes and Juice given the opportunity to be recognized by the Announcer as he walked off the field. Why is Zook so stubborn with this? Juice took 2 very hard hits on the last drive. What say you?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:05 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

redgrange,

Great point, one I hadn't thought of until you wrote it. I will ask about it tomorrow on the teleconference. But that would have been a wise choice by the coaches.

Frank from Champaign, IL — 08:06 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

why do we continually not take a chance down the field? i know our running game is much better than our passing game, but you cant run every single play

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:06 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Frank,

I think Illinois will keep running against Michigan in the future. Illinois was successful on a couple of deep plays in the second half.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:07 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

I'm going to take another short break. I'll be back in about 15 minutes.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:40 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

I'm back. Sorry, got to take care of the home office first.

Bob from Gainesville, FL — 08:40 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Is Benn hurt? He did not play after midway thru 3Q

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:41 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Bob,

Arrelious hurt his ankle again. It doesn't sound like it is too serious.

brian from Lincoln, NE — 08:41 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Follow up to my previous question. Does the win today save Zooks job, even if we lost out to end the year? What staff changes do you think we will see at the end of the season?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 08:43 PM on Sat, 10/31/2009

Brian,

I think the win today goes a long way toward securing Zook's return. I think the rest of the season will determine what changes will be made to the staff. I don't think we should assume anything is a certainty. Changes at all levels will be discussed.
I don't think Ron Zook will want to lose any of his assistants without first seeing if they can get other jobs. That's the way it works whenever possible.