Moderator: 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, Charleston, IL.: 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?

Moderator: 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, illinoisloyaltyville, il: can we expect a flyover on saturday???

Moderator: 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, Champaign Co, IL: We needs 5 more wins and Zook knows it. Who are the next 2 players behind Juice to get benched.

Moderator: 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, Champaign, IL: 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?

Moderator: 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., Savoy, Illinois: 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.

Moderator: 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, Champaign, Il: Bob,

See if you can get coach Guenther to come on HQ for a chat. Illini nation have a few questions....

Moderator: Bill,

That would be great. We will see if he is willing to do a chat. I think it would be very informative.

Bob, Wheaton, IL: 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?

Moderator: 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, Tuscola, IL: 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?

Moderator: 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, Bloomington, Illinois: 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!

Moderator: 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, Champaign, IL: 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?

Moderator: 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, Bloomington, IL: 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!

Moderator: 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 , bloomington, IL: 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.?

Moderator: 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, Lake Forest, IL: 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

Moderator: 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, Urbana, IL: With the question about potential AD successors if RG retires, do you agree that Shawn Wax is the heir-apparent Athletic Director?

Moderator: 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, Greenville, SC: 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.

Moderator: 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, Covington, Indiana: 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?

Moderator: 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, Decatur, I:: 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

Moderator: 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, Decatur, IL: 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?

Moderator: 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, savoy, illinois: How many games do you think the illini will win?

Moderator: A.A.

Four, with wins against Purdue, Northwestern and Fresno State.

M. G., Edwardsville, Illinois: 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.

Moderator: 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, Tucson, AZ: 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!

Moderator: 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, Chicago, il: 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.

Moderator: 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, Urbana, IL: 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?

Moderator: 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, Los Angeles, CA: At what point do the Coaches take responsibility for producing a less than mediocre team year after year?

Moderator: 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, chicago, ill: 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.

john, bloomington , ill: why aren't they playing there best back mikel leshoure ? they must be crazy!

Moderator: John and Joey,

I agree with you both that Mikel Leshoure should be getting the ball more. When he has played, he has been effective. But there must be a reason he isn't given as much time on the field. Perhaps his suspension plays into it. The coaches want to be able to count on a guy and maybe they don't feel like they can count on him. But once he was reinstated, they should be willing to play him. He had some very good moments against Ohio State and Missouri.

josh, kansas city, mo: Bob this is just a comment i would like to make. Mark my words Eddie also will not be the answer. The best qb for total package meaning arm strength, speed, quick thinker and leader is Nathan Scheelhaase. The problem is I dont burn his redshirt this year on this crap NO WAY but it will be proven next year that he is the guy. This is a good example of why he is a leader hear me out. This is a FACT after the blow out loss vs Ohio State right when the team got back home and off the bus there was one and only one qb watching and studying film of that game and his name was not Juice, Eddie or Jacob. Juice and Eddie are leaders? This says alot to me. Who are leaders and who are followers. What the Illini nation does not understand is they have a student of the game and another coach on the field with Scheelhaase ( a leader ) he has always been a winner and it wont be till next year that this is realized. The only reason he has not played this year already is because burning a redshirt with this team would be a crime. I cant wait until it happens. So run out Eddie then Jacob then maybe back to Juice. The real deal is number 2 on offense!!!

Moderator: Josh,

I don't think there is any way Illinois takes the redshirt off of Nathan Scheelhaase at this point. And I agree that doing so would be a bad idea.

George, Saint Joseph, IL: Where was Mikel last Saturday? Any reason he didn't see any action?

Moderator: George,

No real answer on Mikel. He got in for a few plays, but not enough to get a carry. Very puzzling.

Wayne, Champaign, Il.: Does Zook have the coaches hands tied? I am talking about the OC and DC. Let them see what they can do. Give them a chance to play the players they want and use the schemes that they would be comfortable with. And, secondly I am a Wax fan and would strongly support him as the new AD. He knows football and what it takes to make the athletic department strong. He is young and aggressive.

Moderator: Wayne,

All coaches share their opinions and concerns with the coordinators. I would have to assume that Ron Zook tells both sides of the ball what direction he wants to go. I think Mike Schultz has more leeway than the defensive coordinators. That's my sense from talking to all involved.

Rob Marine, Xalapa, Veracruz: Two observations and two questions:

Observation 1: The Illini have not mastered the fundamentals. That is a coaching failure. Add to that a playbook that it appears to have taken Juice three years to learn, (remember all the quotes about Juice being the solid lead because "he really understands the offense")?

Question 1: why don`t the coaches dumb down the offense so it can be run with solid fundamentals, coach those, and win games with solid execution?

Observation 2: HQ sportswriters sure use a lot of ink complaining about the weather. Heck Rossow is already whining about Dec. 5th!

Question 2: Think you guys can buy some pants, and leave the skirts at home after Labor Day?

Moderator: Rob,

On Question 1, maybe that's a good idea. I don't think they would use the term "dumb down."

On Question 2, we all wish we were meteorologists, starting with Jim. I wish all games were played in the snow or rain. But that's just me.

John M., Washington, D.C.: Bob, I keep wondering about the phenomenon of a player who gets worse Freshmman to Senior, instead of the other way around. A lot of us are asking the same question "What the hell is wrong with Williams?" Is it because he is coming to the realization that there is going to be NO play for pay in 2010?

Moderator: John,

I think Juice has made progress since his freshman year, when his completion percentage was below 40 percent. What frustrates people is that he hasn't taken the leap to Colt McCoy land (70 percent). That was probably never going to happen. But he should be better than he was last year.

I don't know what will happen to his future.

Josef, Urbana, IL: Bob, in light of Juice's benching, how much playing time do you think Jacob Charest will get this year? Or does that just depend on whether the Illini completely collapse?

Moderator: Josef,

I asked Ron Zook about that during today's press conference. He didn't commit to getting Charest on the field, but didn't eliminate the possibility either. He used a term I have never heard: "I don't want too many sticks in the soup." I guess that means two quarterbacks is enough to work with at this point.

Karm, Chicago, IL: If Eddie fails to produce early, do you think that we see Juice back in the game on Saturday? Or is this a move that the coaches are going to stick with?

Moderator: Karm,

I think the coaches will stick with Eddie barring injury or some sort of five-interception meltdown.

Garison, Chicago, IL: Do you think we'll see Juice in on any non-traditional formations with this offense going forward (i.e., Wildcat)? Or lined up at WR or RB, as Eddie was a few times in prior years? Juice is still one of the better athletes on the team, and I'd rather see him throwing a halfback pass than say, Troy Pollard.

Moderator: Garison,

I don't think that will happen. Ron Zook was asked that today and said no. That doesn't mean he won't change his mind, but I doubt it.

Joe Podraza, Gilman, IL: What took Zook so long?

The final plays of Saturday's first half tell the story; QB's usually improve after 30-40 starts!

Moderator: Joe,

I was a little surprised the change didn't come against Penn State. But Ron Zook wanted to see if Juice would work his way out of it. I guess you have your answer.

Cheryl Cohen, Macomb, IL: I read that Ron Guenther was in on the discussions regarding Juice Williams. Doesn't our AD have lots of other stuff to deal with besides football? Does he think he's also on the football staff? Doesn' he trust the head coach he hired? What's going on over there?

Moderator: Cheryl,

Ron Guenther played football, coached football and follows football. So, it's no surprise when a major football decision comes up that the head coach would consult him. I've got to assume that Ron Guenther thinks the change is a good idea.

You're right that there are other issues in the athletic department, but none more pressing than football. If Ron Guenther spent 30 minutes talking to Ron Zook, I think that's time well spent.

Ralph Colton, Chicago , IL : I'm not shocked that Eddie has earned a start this week. The shocking part is that it took this long for Eddie to start. It's not Juice fault. The CPS doesn't have the tools to produce QB's like other areas do. Juice really is built to be a RB. The key to this is if and this is a BIG if... Eddie goes 5-3 or better and looks good in most games. Then Zook needs to be questioned about why he felt the need to be loyal instead of playing the better player. Zook is too loyal by default and he needs to play the players that are going to play. Loyalty only comes when the player is producing. If you aren't producing then the team shouldn't suffer because of loyalty. On a second note, How would you grade our new MLB? If ne thing, he is very physical at the LOS and has been in on most plays even though he is suspect in pass coverage. I think by seasons end he will be our new starting MLB going into next season. Do you envision Martez moving to OLB or even DE next yr? I know it's ways apart and anything can happen between now and then. But Fierson has the physical tools ane the physical nature to be a great one..

Moderator: Ralph,

Ron Zook had a returning starter who was about to become the school's career total offensive leader. No coach in the country would have replaced him before the season.

I think there is a chance Martez Wilson moves back to the outside next season.

Oskee Wow Wow, danville, il: I've been hearing that there is or has been severe philosophical disagreements between Zook & his cooridinators. Maybe that has changed now with McGee getting the nod this Sat. Do you think Zook will now abandon his ball control offense & soft pass defense philosophy & allow his coaches to be more agressive ?

Moderator: Oskee,

I haven't heard of any major disagreements. And, again, I think we would have heard. I think Zook will continue with the schemes he has used to this point. Putting Eddie McGee in the lineup doesn't change that.

Indifferent, Champaign, Illinois: Not so much a question but a comment. I am sure McGee is a fine kid and good QB but the lack of blocking, etc. is not going to improve by changing. I do think it was nice to let Juice get the record before benching him but don't think he deserves to be benched without a lot of other first string guys sitting with him.

Tom, Urbana, IL: Bob,

what is your feeling about the QB change?

Will Charest be given a chance this year? I dont think I am the only one who wants to see what he can do.

Moderator: Tom,

I think the change was needed. You can't keep banging your head against a wall and that's what the offense seemed to be doing. Will the change work? We'll all know by 2 p.m. Saturday.

I don't think playing Jacob Charest is in the immediate plans. I want to see him play.

Dan, Urbana, IL: Bob,

we know about the QB change. Any other changes being made?

Moderator: Dan,

Sounds like a couple of offensive line positions are up for grabs. And the receiver rotation is constantly getting tweaked. In the secondary, I think the changes have already been made. It seems like Donsay Hardeman has played well the past two games.

Rick, Champaign, IL: Do you think the Illinois offense will be more balanced with McGee at quarterback? It seems as though Williams was being asked to do too much in his role as QB. When I saw McGee play against Illinois State, it appeared that other backs and the receivers were more involved, rather than sitting back and expecting Williams to make everything happen--which wasn't fair to him either.

Moderator: Rick,

That's a great question. On paper, you would think there would be more running with Eddie McGee at quarterback, both by him and the tailbacks. I think he will do the smart thing and look to Arrelious Benn first on pass plays. If the running game gets going early, then the passing lanes will be more open.

a.a, savoy, illinois: I wrote u previously but I've been keeping up with the chat...are you in anyway able to suggest to Zook for us to put juice in as RB or WR as Garison mentioned; or to put Leshoure in?? Why are the fans the only ones who can see this

Moderator: A.A.,

If Ron Zook reads this chat, he will know how you feel about using Juice at different positions. As far as telling him: "The fans want you to use Juice as a receiver," first, that isn't my place and second, he wouldn't listen to me anyway.

I will suggest that he read the chat, thay way he gets it directly from you. Hope that's OK.

Ryan, Indianapolis, IN: What is the deal with the lack of port-a-jons in the gold lot?

Moderator: Ryan,

I will find out for you. That is a problem that should have any easy solution.

Brent, Swansea, IL: A frequent comment from players and coaches is that we've got to "look at the game tape and fix things." I agree, but I also think there are fundamental issues that aren't going to be remedied by game tape reviews. I'm talking about poor tackling, poor blocking, and an inability to achieve quarterback pressure. I consider much of this to be strength and conditioning. Is it an absurd thought to give consideration to full pads, full contact scrimmages early in the week to simulate real game conditions? Sure, it might result in some injuries but these guys have to learn how to tackle and block at full speed. We're losing games as it is, so why not go all out a couple of days early in the week and find out who the real competitors are?

Moderator: Brent,

At this point, I don't think there is any such thing as unreasonable idea. I know Ron Turner had a full pad scrimmage after a disturbing loss. The next week, his team beat Michigan. It might be more of a short-term idea to spark the team than a long-term solution.

Detlef, Joliet, IL: Any chance Ron Guenther does the honorable thing and resign after this season if Illinois does not make a bowl game? That would be 14 out of 19 seasons on the job that the football team failed to make a bowl game. His contract expires at the end of 2010 and it can't get here soon enough!

Moderator: Detlef,

Good to hear from you. Ron Guenther has done a lot of things well at Illinois. But football hasn't been one of them. There have certainly been high points, but many more struggles. He wants football to be on the right path before he leaves, but I'm not sure he's going to get there.

Danimal, Champaign, Il: Bob,

When is coach Guenther going to get the heat? On his watch he has had two coaching failures(Tepper,Turner)and now it appears Zook is going down in flames. The next person that needs fired is Guenther. There is no reason we cannot compete with programs like Wisconsin, Iowa, Mich St., Minn. and be in the bowl business. Board of Trustees please wake up! Illini Nation is sick and tired of all the incompetence.

Moderator: Danimal,

I agree that Illinois should be able to compete in football with Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa and Minnesota. Nobody would argue with you on that.

You can't blame Ron Guenther for Lou Tepper, who he didn't hire. But he has hired two coaches and, at this point, neither has had long-term success. Joe Paterno used to say athletic directors should only get to hire one football coach. When a second needs to go, you get rid of the AD first.

Mike, Chicago, IL: Hi Bob -

Who would you think is on Guenther's short list for head football coach?

I know a good AD always has a short list....

Moderator: Mike,

Good ADs do always have a short list. Ron Guenther has one for every sport and I'm sure there is one for football, not just in case of a firing, but in case the coach leaves for another job.

I would think Cincinnati's Brian Kelly has to be on every school's list. Maybe Jim Harbaugh, who has done well at Stanford. I would have Houston's Kevin Sumlin on any coaching list. There are a bunch of other guys, both current head coaches and top NFL and college assistants.

I think the Illinois job is now much more appealing than in the past. There has been a major upgrade to the facilities.

Andrew, Mahomet, IL: Any truth to the quote from Zook that he may replace himself? Due to his micromanagement of his coordinators, he has handcuffed our entire team and we are in a tailspin. I can only imagine how good Larry Johnson would be looking right now running his own defense as the coordinator.

Moderator: Andrew,

Ron Zook did say that when asked what changes he was considering for Saturday.

Like you, I wonder what it would be like had Larry Johnson come to Illinois.

Michael, Sterling, IL: I'm hoping there are some glaring changes on the defensive side of the ball too. Where are Michael Buchanan and Terry Hawthorne (who was moved to defense)? Where is Justin Green? Sometimes I feel like we are being lied to as Coach Zook always says there are going to be changes made but where are they?? I feel the change at QB is just throwing us a crumb.

Moderator: Michael,

I think you will see more of Michael Buchanan and Terry Hawthorne this week. I'm not as sure about Justin Green, who seems to have slipped down the running back list for some reason.

Changing quarterbacks is a big deal when you are talking about a four-year starter. It wasn't done easily.

Len, Sbdo, ca: Hi Bob, It seems there are a lot of changes needed to be made to the program starting at the top. Most or all of these are not new. First an easy opening non conference games. Don't you think that should try to pad their record if and until the are the elite team they hope to be. Built confidence in the players.

Secondly a long look at the coaching staff. I am not ready just yet to give up on Zook but that said a couple don't seem much as recruiters and on the field execution? Bob or anybody feel they have informed opinions I would like to hear them with names and observations as to why.

Then lastly back to the hearts and heads , or playing smart and tough. The talent is there to compete.

Moderator: Len,

You make some good points. I agree that the team should have had a game on Sept. 19 against a non-BCS school. They decided instead to play Fresno State at the end of the season, which will be a difficult game.

Moderator: I'm going to cut it off for the day. Sorry about the questions we didn't get to. I will type faster next week.

Don't forget that we will have a postgame chat starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. Load me up with questions.

And you can always email me during the week at asmussen@news-gazette.com.

Thanks again.