We.,

We have been trying to get ahold of C.J. and have had no luck. I don't think his decision will be made, for Illinois or any other school, until later.

He is having a great year and his high school advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Right now, I'm sure he is concentrating on finishing the season strong.

Chief,

You're right that a second and 17 dive play isn't commonplace. Sometimes, you just want to start over, so maybe that was it. Punt and get out.

I didn't see Corey Liuget get punched during the game, but I did see him come off the field. And I've seen the play since then. Certainly, the Big Ten will take some action.

Loren and Jim enthusiastically jumped at the idea of spending some of their own time after a long morning on the radio to help out HQ. Each person has their own chat personality, so I'm not going to tell them how to handle theirs. Actually, I find their approach refreshingly different, though it isn't the way I'm going to go.

Ronnie,

You're right that I have to remain impartial. Of course, you get to know the players and coaches, but that can't alter that impartiality.

I think I have a better grasp of what's going on with Illinois football than other Big Ten schools and hopefully that knowledge comes through.

There is a distinct line that can't be crossed.

Mike,

Unless something very awful is uncovered, I don't think it will have much of an impact on Ron Zook's future at Illinois. Sometimes, heated words are exchanged on staffs. I've heard stories of fights during past coaching eras at Illinois.

Honestly, we didn't hear any stories about Mike Locksley until after he got to New Mexico. He was always very easy to deal with. Obviously, he's got some problems at his new job.

Brandon,

I think that Mikel is the lead back now and that Jason Ford is second. I think that's the way it will remain, barring injury, the rest of the season. I also think Daniel Dufrene will get some time, but not as much.
They've found a hot hand (Leshoure) and they are going to play it. I think he's going to get better each game.

Chintan,

I also heard the Mendenhalls would be on campus, but I never saw them. I think the fences are being mended but it still isn't perfect. I know Rashard was asked to go on the Illini Sports Network at halftime and declined. But I never did see him.

He has turned into a very good player for the Steelers. No surprise there. I hope he gets back to C-U soon.

Tom,

I might have overstated it a bit. I think the win was important to calm some of the criticism and also helped with recruiting. But you're right, 2-10 won't be good enough. I think Illinois has a chance to win a couple more games this season, including Saturday.

ea,

The defense definitely seemed more aggressive, which I think helped produce sacks and turnovers. And it's possible the guys on the field are gaining more confidence. Having Corey Liuget playing well was also big. He can be a force when healthy.
Rodriguez must have wanted to try to get something out of the final minutes. In a way, you don't blame him. Maybe he wanted to use it as a teaching tool for his players. He'll tell his guys he didn't stop trying.

Karl,

Minnesota's defense is statistically worse against the run than Michigan, so I think Illinois can move the ball on the ground against the Gophers. The key, as usual, is how much pressure Illinois can apply with the pass. If Juice Williams completes some early throws down the field, Minnesota has a problem.

Kyle,

If it happens, it's a big loss. But the biggest in recent years, in my opinion, was Chris Redman. He would have given Illinois a good quarterback for four years and might have saved Lou Tepper's job.

I don't think Illinois is out of it with C.J. Wait to see what happens in the next month or two.

David,

I can't imagine fans would have heckled Dick Vitale here. He usually is popular with the fans, especially the students. The Duke Vitale stuff has become kind of a big deal, but I think he just likes good coaching and considers Coach K one of the best. Hard to argue that.

I'd like to see Bob Knight on the sidelines at an Illinois game. Probably need to bring in some more security for that one.

Jeremy,

Special is probably not an option because of the six losses. But if Illinois wins three of the last four, it will change some of the way people feel about the team and staff.

You're right about Michigan losing close games. The Wolverines seemed to have lost their way, but they still have lots of talent.

John,

I heard nothing but positives. First, he was here. And that's a big deal. The second best player in the country doesn't usually visit 1-6 teams. I've heard Ron Zook had a good visit with Prater and his family. I won't be surprised if he signs with Illinois, though it is still a long shot.

Dr. Phil,

I think fans always have the right to complain. You buy the tickets, you watch the games on TV, you deserve to be heard. And you're right that the records for the Illinois coaches have not been very good the past 15 years or so. Illinois should be better than that.

The media continues to have access to Camp Rantoul. The access ends when the team returns to Champaign before the season. It started in 2008 and continued this year. Though I think The News-Gazette should be allowed at practice, I do understand the thinking that goes behind the ban. Coaches don't want information out there that might hurt their teams. Before the Internet, there wasn't much danger of that happening even with reporters at your practices. But with the quick move of information, the coaches don't feel like they can expose themselves to that.
I'm going to stop whining about it and figure out a way to live with the new rules.

Matt,

I don't know all the details, but I don't believe Corey Cooper or Chandler Whitmer were here. Their official visits will be the weekend of the team banquet.

Kyle had a game Friday night (a big win), so he was here Saturday and Sunday. His parents were with him.

I don't think there were any other visits. The coaches wanted to give Kyle all of their attention. Very smart. It sounds like it went well.

Remember that Prater has a former Illini, Famous Hulbert, as his coach.

Brad,

I think J would be an obvious choice as a coach if he wants to do that. But I'm not sure if that's what he will want to do with his career. He talks about how patient and nice his wife has been while he continues to try to play pro football. But that career ends eventually. Coaching isn't for everybody.

Let me know when for the 5-8 Club or Matt's Bar and I'm there. I'll buy the burgers.

Phil,

I was just looking at who will be back next season for Illinois. It should be a good group, especially when you factor in the return of Martez Wilson and Miami Thomas. Basically, the defense can be manned with all former starters and the offense will have only a couple of new guys.

J would be a good coach if that's what he decides to do.

I think speed is a positive for Illinois. Those Michigan guys are supposed to be fast too, so it must be that the Illini are faster.

Jeff Cumberland is a much more effective offensive weapon as a tight end. It will probably be the position he'll be asked to play in the NFL.

Jacoub,

I'm supposed to be getting some advice on Minneapolis hangouts from some friends up there, but they are too busy at the lakes to get back to me. Jerks (just kidding).

From what Brad wrote, the 5-8 Club and Matt's Bar sound good. And I'm guessing there are plenty of fun places in the campus area.

You might be right about the high scoring game. Both defenses seem vulnerable. And both offenses are coming in on confidence builders.

James,

In college football, nothing is insane (think Appalachian State beating Michigan). But a 4-0 finish is about as unlikely as anything I can imagine. So, if the team wins five or less, what happens? Certainly, there will be some changes, maybe major changes in the staff. Because this team was supposed to win eight games, not four or five. Something will be done. What we won't know until later is what those changes will be. And they might be different than what you think.

Kraemer,

I think the opinion of Jacob among the coaches has changed. And I think Jacob will stay here. He likes it at Illinois and if he goes anywhere else, he will have to sit a year.

I think there will be a wipe-open competition in the spring and summer. Should be fun to watch.

Dave,

As many as five. I think Cincinnati is a loss, barring a bunch of injuries for the Bearcats. That will be a huge game for Cincinnati. But Illinois can win the rest of its games. Not saying that it will, but it's possible.

Mike,

Minnesota has had many of the same problems at Illinois. It has new coordinators on both sides of the ball. The difference is that the Gophers won the games against the struggling teams, where Illinois lost them.

I think Illinois has a chance at Minnesota. The nice weather will help. So will the lack of Eric Decker.

Craig,

I didn't vote for Richmond, but I thought it was kind of interesting. The Spiders beat Duke and have dominated I-AA. They probably need to move to I-A.

I'm hoping Terry Pendleton gets a shot in Atlanta. And I hope Bobby Cox goes out with a return to the postseason.

Jimmy,

No, no, no. I believe the retirement age is 65 and if I'm still around then, that will be my last day. Then, it's off to watch every Braves game in my DirecTV-loaded Winnebago.

I think Illinois can run the ball against Minnesota if Juice Williams passes the ball well early.