Moderator: It looks like everyone is as fired up about the start of football as I am. There are oodles of questions, so I'm going to get started a couple of minutes early.

Thanks for your help with the chats.

Pericles, Chicago, IL: The article on Clay Nurse over the weekend - how many years of eligibility does he have left? When he hurt his shoulder, was that the same season he played in 5 games and took a medical redshirt? If he committed in December of '06, he should have three total years of eligibility left, right?

Moderator: Pericles,

His first season was 2006, which counts as his redshirt season. He played in 2007 and 2008, which means he has two years left.

I think he is ready for a big season. He doesn't have any injury issues and is extremely motivated.

Jimmy, Bloomington, IL: What are the times for practices at Memorial Stadium before the team heads to Rantoul?

Moderator: Jimmy,

Thursday and Friday practices start at 3 p.m. and are open to the public. They will be split-squad sessions, meaning a new group will start each day at 5:30 p.m. The session will run about 4 hours, but the players will only be on the field for about 2.

Saturday's practice time hasn't been set. I'm guessing it could be in the morning, but will let you know for sure as soon as it's announced.

Ryan Hopt, Cooksville, Il: Bob,

Can you give a quick how to and where to go for my first Camp Rantoul trip. From where to eat, to where to be to have the best chance at autographs.

Thanks,

Ryan

Moderator: Ryan,

I'm going to have a guide to Camp Rantoul on Monday, but I'll give you the shortened version.

Ott's is great for breakfast and lunch. There is a good Mexican restaurant named Mas Amigas. Send me an email at asmussen@news-gazette.com and I will send you some more places to eat. You can also find me at practice and I'll come up with some more.

The best place to get autographs is at the east entrance to the practice fields. The players all funnel out through one gate. They are very good about signing autographs.

Don, Urbana, IL: Bob,

we all know the coaches like Camp Rantoul. Gives them a chance to really focus on football for the 2 weeks.

What is the players reaction?

Moderator: Don,

Of course, the players complain about it, mostly in a joking nature. They are away from their homes, their stuff and their girlfriends. But when they look back, they realize what a valuable experience it was. And I think it helps them prepare for the NFL because of the camp-like atmosphere. Not every school goes away from campus for practice.

Dan, Urbana, IL: Bob,

are you still having the game day chats this season?

If so, I know you had problems getting a lot of questions last year. Maybe do it after the game? Would work for the games that are in the afternoon atleast. Not sure if that would be the general consensus, just my two cents.

Moderator: Dan,

I think that's a great idea. I'll have to make the timing work because of postgame interviews and writing stories. If it's an 11 a.m. game, maybe at 5 or 6 p.m.

We will give it some thought. I definitely plan to continue the chats.

Tom, Urbana, IL: Bob,

when is the N-G football preview gonna be published?

Moderator: Tom,

The section will come out Sept. 4, the day before the season opener. We have a really cool cover and the section should be a lot of fun to read.

Dr. Phil, Orland Park, IL.: Bob, love seeing you on those Illinois Big 10 classic football games. You look so young!

Two questions - in watching some of the early games last year (against PSU & Michigan), replayed on the Big 10 network, Dufrene looked very good. What happened in the mid-season to change that?

Also, have you heard what the new trophy will be between Illinois & Northwestern that replaces the Sweet Sioux?

Moderator: Dr. Phil,

When I'm watching the Big Ten Network and I see myself, I always do a double-take. It's weird to see yourself on TV, especially for a not-TV-friendly face like mine.

I think Dufrene got a bit nicked during the season and didn't bounce back maybe as quickly as hoped. He was the leading rusher among the running backs and Ron Zook has said nothing to indicate he won't be the starter in 2009.

It will be the Land of Lincoln Trophy. I don't think the design has been unveiled. It coincides with the celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday.

Shief, Champaign, IL: Who will likely emerge as the most explosive and dominant running back this season? Anyone Mendenhall like (150-200yds/game)?

Moderator: Shief,

I think the coaches are willing to try a by-committee approach. But if somebody gets hot, the coaches will use him. Which of the four fits that idea best? I'd go with Jason Ford or Mikel Leshoure. Ford has shown the ability to pile up big yards in a game and Leshoure had a very good spring.

It's going to be fun to watch it play out during training camp and beyond.

Neil Peart, Toronto , Canada: Bob, Love your chats, I know that is early, but of all the freshman, who has made the biggest impression on you?? Who would you say has the chance to make the biggest contribution to the team this year? Thanks and keep it coming!

Moderator: Neil,

It is an impressive group, both from a talent standpoint and a personality standpoint.

Terry Hawthorne had a huge senior year, but he is recovering from a broken hand, which might limit him a bit early. I think both the running backs are going to be good players, but they face a logjam at the position.

Nathan Scheelhaase has a chance to be a very good college player, but will start way down the depth chart.

Let's go with Michael Buchanan and Eric Watts, who will be playing at need areas. I think they will both get on the field for the defense and will be contributors on special teams.

Tony, Bellwood , IL: Why is everyone so down on Eddie McGee all of a sudden!? just a year ago people where calling for him to replace juice and now people are thinking he can't win the starting QB job next year!!

Moderator: Tony,

Quarterbacks understand that the fans change the way they feel about players. Eddie McGee isn't worried about it.

I would think Eddie is the favorite to be the quarterback starter in 2010. And he will get on the field this season as both a quarterback and as a receiver. The coaches feel good about him as Juice Williams' backup.

redgrange77, Arcadia, CA: Hey Bob why isn't HQ listing the team schedules with every blog entry or posted story as last season. Please tie Rossow to the whipping post for this injustice!! We are too lazy to go over to fightingillini.com

Moderator: redgrange,

We will get it fixed. You can blame me too. But it's a very good idea.

Bill Summer, San Diego, CA: Bob,

What can Zook and the Illini coaching staff do differently in preparing for the opener against Missouri this year? It seems like Missouri always seems to have some play calling surprises ready for us, but we are more predictable.

Moderator: Bill,

Ron Zook has said that training camp will be more physical. He didn't think his team tackled very well in the Missouri games. Of course, Gary Pinkel might have the same complaint about his team.

Pinkel is a very good coach and has had a good plan for the Illini. He also had very good players to execute that plan. I think there will be some growing pains for the Missouri offense.

I haven't been told anything by the Illinois coaches, but I would think that the defense will pressure the Missouri offense more than in the past. If you did that to Chase Daniel, he would eat you up. But the new guy will be slower just because of inexperience.

John, Peoria, IL: Can you update us on the status of Jerry Brown?

Moderator: John,

Jerry Brown is not on the roster and not with the team. I'm not sure if he is coming back to school or going somewhere else. I will find out and get back to you.

Jon, Schaumburg, Illinois: Hey Bob,

Overall, Single Game Ticket Sales seem to be going ok for the various home games this season, but you can still get plenty of tickets together for the Michigan game and the other "marquee" games. Why do you believe this is? I remember marquee games such as this selling out much earlier last year?

Thanks as always.

Jon

Moderator: Jon,

I have to think that Michigan fans aren't buying tickets to Illinois like they have in the past. The economy has clobbered the state. So, if your choice is a trip to C-U or catch up on the credit card bills, you might skip the football game.

It sounds like Illinois is doing pretty well ticket-wise. A win against Missouri would create a rush to the ticket window. Overall, I think the Illinois attendance will be close to last year. I'm guessing there will be three or four sellouts.

Eric, Des Plaines, IL: Bob,

Love the chat, I heard Daryl Lee was in the Bridge program and has a chance of being academically eligble. Have you heard of any freshmen that are not reporting to camp?

Moderator: Eric,

I ask the coaches often about any possible problems with the incoming freshmen. Ron Zook said they are in good shape. But every year, there is a surprise or two. We'll know for sure on Thursday.

I haven't heard that about Lee. Last I heard, he was going to a prep school. I will find out and report back.

Jim, Rockford, Wisconsin: Nothing against Eddie but I hope he isn't the starter in 2010, would rather have the continuity of a multiple year starter in Charest, is he that far behind talent wise? Obviously he hasn't seen the field yet, but I would rather not have 3 Quarterbacks in 3 years if we can help it.

Moderator: Jim,

You are right that it's best to have a multi-year quarterback. But if the best player is a senior, you go with him. I don't think Charest is far behind talent-wise. I think it will be a long, hard fight and I think there will be other s involved too.

Next spring is going to be interesting.

Robert, chicago, il: Bob,

two questions:

What type of receiver is Fayson? We have all heard about his great speed but what about the intangibles; blocking, route running , hands etc... With the logjam at RB any chance that Justin Green plays DB if he's unable to get on the field?

Moderator: Robert,

In practice, Fayson seems to be able to do everything. I think he's a good blocker and he is able to used on reverses. He has shown his ability to return punts and kickoffs. His hands seem to be good. And I think he doesn't mind contact, which is important for receivers in the Big Ten.

I don't think there is any way Illinois will move Justin Green to defensive back. The reason he came to Illinois was to play tailback. The coaches wouldn't go back on that promise now.

Don OBrien, Quincy, IL: I need to win some money off these blinders-wearing Mizzou fans along the Mississippi.

What are the chances the Illini win the opener in St. Louis this year?

You'd have to think they have a chance after all Mizzou's graduation losses.

Moderator: Don,

Time for Illinois to play Notre Dame.

I think this is the best chance for Illinois to beat Missouri this decade. Vegas agrees, listing Illinois as the favorite.

Michael Phelps, Beijing, China: Bob

Why do you hate swimming so much?

Moderator: Michael,

I don't hate swimming at all. As it turns out, I watched some of the world championships on Saturday. Saw a lot of shots of Phelps' mom.

Bill Braski, Champaign, Il: Bob,

Is Zook going to fix the Special Teams problems? Coverage, punting, tackling etc. Any average team should be able to do this. What is the problem?

Moderator: Bill,

I think special teams are a primary focus for Ron Zook during Camp Rantoul. And have been since last season. He realizes there are problems, many of which can be fixed with improved personnel. I think you'll see more starters from offense and defense playing special teams this season. And I'm guessing there has been some tweaking done to the way the teams function.

kathy, naperville, Ill: Hey Bob,

who on the offensive line is going to surprise us this year?

Moderator: Kathy,

I'll go with Randall Hunt, who has worked himself into a starting spot after three seasons on the bench. If he is able to hold up at left guard, the rest of the line will operate well.

Kyle, Elgin, IL: What do you make of Fulton's dad going to bat for Tennessee against us for Prater's services? Bad betrayal, or worst betrayal?

Moderator: Kyle,

If your son was going to play football at a school, you would want the best players to go with him. I don't blame Fulton's dad for wanting to improve his son's situation. That being said, the decision will come down to Kyle Prater. And I can't imagine he'd let the father of another player influence his choice.

I continue to believe that Kyle Prater will sign with Illinois.

Greg, Bloomington, IL: Realistically, what level do you think the UI football program can achieve under Zook's tenure?

We're never going to be OSU, Michigan, or likely PSU. Can the UI be as good as Wisconsin was under Alvarez? Iowa under Ferentz? Purdue under Tiller?

Moderator: Greg,

I think any of those scenarios are possible. But Illinois can't think about being considered a top Big Ten program until it wins consistently. That means multiple years of bowl games in a row. Right now, that number is zero.

Michigan right now isn't Michigan of 10 years ago. And Penn State will eventually have to replace it's coach. Who knows what happens after that.

In college football, anything is possible if you have the right people and the right attitude.

Marcus, Monument, CO: Bob,

Do you think Illinios will surprise some folks this year because we have a new offensive cordinator?

Can a player take a year of medical redshirt and a year for regular redshirt?

Marcus

Moderator: Marcus,

I do think Mike Schultz will help Illinois. But Mike Locksley did good work at Illinois too.

Generally, a player isn't allowed to take a medical redshirt and a redshirt. A medical redshirt allows a player to reserve a year of eligibility even after playing X number of games.

Chris, romeoville, il: How do you see the cornerback situation turning out? Is Aaron Gress going to be a starter at lb? Can this be a good defense?

Moderator: Chris,

I think cornerback is a deep spot for the Illini. Besides Dere Hicks and Tavon Wilson, the team has three other guys who are capable of starting: Patrick Nixon-Youman, Miami Thomas and Travon Bellamy.

I think Aaron Gress will be a reserve who gets a lot of time on the field.

Shief, Champaign, IL: Illinois just finished a big renovation project on the stadium last season and it eliminated some six to seven thousand seats doing so. If Illinois football continues to be good, what are the possible plans to add on/expand the stadium further? I wouldn't mind seeing the "horseshoe" section reach the ground and have the North Endzone student section widened to reach the towers.

Moderator: Shief,

There are multiple expansion options. I think the next area that will get attention is the horseshoe. It will become permanent seating and the size could be increased.

I don't think anything else happens at the stadium until the economy improves and a resolution is made for basketball.

Shief, Champaign, IL: What do you think is the chance of Illinois winning the Big Ten this season? Also, other than Illinois, who is the team that will be the biggest surprise this season?

Moderator: Shief,

I picked Illinois third behind Ohio State and Penn State. Those two are the favorites. We'll know three games into the Big Ten season if Illinois has a chance. If the Illini are 2-1 or better after playing Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State, then they are in the race.

The biggest surprise this season will be Northwestern, which will win seven games despite huge personnel losses.

Shief, Champaign, IL: We hardcore college football fans have been craving to see just where our teams will finish in their conference and nationally. Where do you see Illinois in both those pictures and what record do you see Illinois getting? Any specific games might we expect an upset by Illinois or against Illinois?

Moderator: Shief,

I have Illinois at No. 21 going into the season, a position that will hold or improve if it goes into Ohio State at 2-0.

Illinois has a chance to win every game. And it has a chance to lose about nine of its games.

I projected 9-3, with losses to Ohio State, Penn State and Cincinnati. But all of those games are winnable for Illinois.

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: Bob, love these chats. If Jacob Charest wins the QB battle over Nathan Scheelhaase next season, will Scheelhaase be used in any other capacity? Seems to me like you can't leave a kid with that kind of talent on the sideline.

Second question, you said in an email that you liked Cincinnati and West Virginia better than Pitt in the Big East. However, Pitt returns 14 starters from last season's 9-4 team that finished second in the Big East with a 5-2 league mark and advanced to the Sun Bowl. Defensively they have one of the top players in the country in end Greg Romeus. And the Big East media picked them to win the league with eight first-place votes. West Virginia was second with five. Thoughts?

Finally, can you give your eight MLB playoff teams?

Thanks, hope all is well, Bob!

Moderator: J-Ran,

I don't see Nathan Scheelhaase changing positions. I think he will continue to be in the hunt at quarterback throughout his career. Even if he doesn't start early, he can be the primary backup.

Pitt still has Dave Wannstedt as coach, correct? And that bowl game was awful to watch. I'll believe Pitt as the Big East champ when I see the Panthers carrying the trophy.

Playoff teams: Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Angels, Phillies, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers. Phillies over the Red Sox in seven.

Moderator: I am out of questions. Thanks for your participation. I will talk to you again next Tuesday from Camp Rantoul.