Moderator: Back for another chat. There a bunch of questions, so I'm going to get started early.

We won't have a chat on Saturday, unless you want me to write about Ohio State-Michigan. So, we'll be back next Tuesday and also have a postgame chat after Cincinnati.

Kraemer, Paris, IL: Hey Bob, thanks for the chat, a great forum for Illinois football fans as always.

Do you agree that allowing Derek Dimke to handle field goals, as well as kick offs, is something that should have happened a bit sooner this season? I feel if he can prove that he can consistently make field goals over the next 2+ years, his pro prospects should be through the roof as long as he keeps banging kicks through the endzone for the rest of his Illinois career.

Moderator: Kraemer,

I agree they could have made the move a couple weeks earlier. The explanation for why they didn't was that Matt Eller was kicking better in practice. But at some point, productivity in the games takes over. That point was Saturday. I don't think Matt Eller will be trying another kick this season unless Derek Dimke really struggles. And I agree that Dimke has a chance to be very, very good.

boss2, champaign, ill: is the media to blame for for having fans thinking that the Illini football team, are going to be good each year?

Moderator: boss2,

I don't think so. We report what we see and you decide what you think after reading our reports.

I really thought Illinois was going to have a successful season. Obviously, that didn't happen. I think our reporting was mostly fair. And I do think the potential of the team was very good going into the season. Why didn't it work? Start with the loss to Missouri and go from there.

Jeff Standard, O'Fallon, MO: Do you think Benn is gone after this year considering the injuries? Also, why isn't he utilized more in our offense? Thanks, Jeff in O'Fallon, MO

Moderator: Jeff,

I do think he will declare for the draft and have a good chance to go in the first round. I know some people disagree with that, but I don't think they understand how the NFL works. Of course, they want productive guys in college. But they look beyond the numbers. In Benn's case, there is nothing but upside.

I think his injuries played a part in how he was used. He hasn't had the same burst he had in the past. Plus, the quarterbacking hasn't helped him any either. I think Mike Schultz knew to get him the ball, but he can only call the plays. It's up to the players to execute those plays.

Drew, C-Paign, IL: Bob,

I saw Loren Tate was at 10% on that poll on who is to blame for the football team. My question is how come you were not an option on that list as well as a lack of fireworks, fly-overs, and the swinging gate used after the sparse touchdowns this year?

Moderator: Drew,

I was snubbed. No doubt about it. I would have liked to see fireworks. Maybe next year. I voted for Loren, by the way.

Dan, CHampaign, IL: Bob,

how are Miami and Martez's recoveries coming along?

Also, guessing the staff will be out recruting heavy this week?

Moderator: Dan,

I've heard good things about Martez, though we'll know more as he gets closer to contact. He's a tough kid who I expect to see back on the field.

Miami Thomas has had a nasty two years, with two ACL injuries. I don't think it will be easy for him to get back, but he will do everything he can to play in 2010. I will check with Ron Zook for a more detailed report on both.

Gary, San Antonio, Texas: No disrespect to Loren, I generally enjoy his articles. With that said, I have to ask, what was he thinking today with the stop whining article. We as fans have the right to express our dissatisfaction with recent and future scheduling decisions that stack that deck against football success. For him not to see that is beyond myopic. I am not of the "crucify the AD" crowd, but come on, at this stage of the game all those involved with contributing to the current abject state of affairs should be called out to some extent.

Chris, Monticello, IL: Bob,

Where do you stand on the "tough schedule" vs. "favorable schedule for bowl eligibility" debate that Loren stirred up today? Thanks!

Moderator: Gary and Chris,

I'm never sure what Loren's thinking. But I do defend his right to write anything he wants. That's his job, to state opinion. If you react to it, he's done his job. And, Gary, I agree with you that the fans have the right to express their displeasure with the schedule.

I don't agree with Loren on the scheduling. What happens if Cincinnati is 4-6 instead of 10-0? Not a game many want to watch and one that ESPN puts on ESPN8.

Should Illinois play some difficult games out of conference? Of course. Missouri and Fresno State cover that.

The really poor decision in the schedule came when the school left that beautiful September day as an open date. Made no sense at all. There's going to be a similar hole in the schedule in 2010. Makes no sense.

Though Loren doesn't agree, Illinois would be much better off getting into a bowl game than it would in playing Cincinnati with a 3-7 record. There is no comparison.

Drew, Urbana, IL: Bob,

I am surprised that we would have a game scheduled for next weekend when the state championships are on campus.

I would think that would be a good opportunity for the coaches to look at players, but to also be seen.

Moderator: Drew,

You are right. The good news for the coaches is the 11 a.m. game. They will be back in the late afternoon and will be able to see parts of the last two games. And they will be at Memorial Stadium all day on Saturday, when the bigger schools are in with more prospects.

James, Greenville, SC: Bob,

I'm becoming a weekly regular because you do such a good job on these chats. Please tell me Zook's explanations for going for two when he did. The rulle is to go for two only when you have to.21-10 means you go for two on the next TD. If NU kicks a FG, then you don't have to go for two at all. Even if he did get the 2pt. conversion, a NU TD makes it 28-11. Still no ground made up. I just don't get it. These are the same coaching errors we see week after week. If it's not a 2pt. conversion, it's the use, or lack thereof, of timeouts. What about LeShoure. Did he do something in the lockerroom at the half? One carry? Comeon!

Moderator: James,

Thanks for your continued participation. We didn't ask about the two-point conversion during one of the shortest postgame press conferences in recent years. I should have asked about it. At the time Illinois went for two, I thought it was a mistake. And the play didn't do much for me either.

We didn't get an explanation for Leshoure's lack of time. We asked and it was some version of "It was Jason's turn." I don't think anything happened in the locker room. But I will check.

joe, chicago, il: why not throw hawaii on the schedule, if youre going to have a late non conf game....play 3 early games, to get ready for the big ten and take advantage of a september home game in the new stadium, take a bye week in the middle of the big ten to get healthy, finish the big ten season, then take a trip to hawaii to get ready for a bowl, if they have one...i know a lot of teams play hawaii late, so maybe itd be hard to get them on there..

Moderator: Joe,

I've been told Hawaii is an option in one of the upcoming seasons. Of course, I'd vote for it. Heck, play there every year.

I think your plan sounds like a good one. Taking those Saturdays off in September is just wrong.

Mark Illiniwek, Mahomet, IL: Hi Bob- Two questions for you today-- What were the oddsmakers thinking to install Illinois as a 5-6 point favorite against Northwestern last week?? I'm not a gambler, like Bill Belichek, but I would think that Vegas lost alot of money on that spread. Question two-- Part A) Hae you been to see Eastern Illinois play this year, and Part B) do you think the Panthers would take down Illinois this season? Yes, it's my own feeling that if EIU would've been on the schedule instead of ISU, that an embarrassing upset would be more than a possiblity....

Moderator: Mark,

The oddsmakers set the line looking for equal action on both teams. That was the number and the line went up during the week, which meant more people were betting on Illinois. I don't get it.

I have not seen the Panthers play this season, but I've heard great things. I don't think Eastern Illinois would beat Illinois. Nor do I think Southern Illinois will beat Illinois in 2010. There is still a disparity in personnel between I and I-AA schools. Ron Turner's 1-11 2003 Illini pounded Illinois State.

But I think Jake Christensen would keep the game close.

Jam, paxton, IL: ADRG is getting a lot of heat for his hires, however he is bringing in experienced coaches who have a clean record regarding recruiting. Do you think that this is at the top of his requirements when searching, and do you think that Illinois could withstand another serious recruiting investigation by the NCAA?

Moderator: Jam,

I think integrity relative to the rules is the highest priority when considering hires. Not just in football, but in every sport.

I think a serious investigation by the NCAA into Illinois football would be devastating to the program. I think Ron Guenther knows that and will do everything he can to protect his program.

Chris Roberts, Mahomet, iL.: Hello Bob,

Do you think instant replay overall

has hurt college football this season?

Thank-You!

Moderator: Chris,

I think the execution of instant replay has hurt college football. But to me, instant replay is one of the greatest things to happen to college football in the past 50 years. Without replay, Terry Hawthorne's rundown against Michigan doesn't count. That's what the system is for, to get it right.

Henry, Bourbon, IL: What about the Zooker's wild-eyed chase down of the officials after the game. And his not-so-subtle reference in the post game about "officials having a bad game". What is your prediction - will there be repurcussions coming from the Big Ten for his antics. If so, will those be made public? Did you notice that on the Big Ten Network commercial where each coach is shown pitching their school to recruits, they have edited out Zook's comments of "do you like Roses?" That was a bit comical to me.

Moderator: Henry,

I didn't see that footage until Sunday. I think if the Big Ten sees it, there will be repercussions. The league hates any kind of confrontations, verbal or physical , between coaches and officials. I know that Ron Zook had a beef with one of the officials during the game, which likely prompted his sprint. The guy can run.

I haven't seen the updated commercial on the Big Ten Network. I like Joe Paterno's work.

Dr. Phil, Orland Park, IL: Bob, I love reading the after-game chats. I think Matt from Chicago had a comment about "getting Zooked." I think you can write and sing a parody to The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" using "Won't Get Zooked Again." Can you sing like Daltry? My questions concerning Illini football are as follows:

What kind of option offense does Zook want to operate - a running or passing one? His first three years were emphasizing a running offense (I think we led the Big 10 in rushing a couple of years). Last year, it changed to a more passing offense because of our receivers. His has to identify what he wants the team to emphasize. It seems that Williams and Scheelhasse emphasize running, while Charest and Whitmer emphasize passing. Next, why the dumb Zook rule about best practice equals a start at this late juncture. I think DuFrene started Saturday. After three games, the coaches should know who is the starting running back. This leads to the next question, who is in charge of running players in and out during the game? Why not stick with the runners and receivers who are playing, barring injury? Finally, with Wilson coming back, Zook may want to think of going to a 3-4 defense next year, with Wilson rushing the passing on third down. We seem to have linebackers, such as Ellington and Bussey that can move. Liuget and Brent can alternate as the nose tackle.

Moderator: Dr. Phil,

I love the Who, but can't sing like Daltry.

I think Ron Zook wants a running offense. He turned to more passing last year because, like you pointed out, the receivers were good. It's also easier to recruit receivers when they think you are going to throw a lot.

I didn't understand Daniel Dufrene starting. Maybe they wanted to see what he could do, but I think Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford have shown they should be the guys.

A 3-4 would suit the personnel, but I don't think it will happen. Ron Zook does what he wants to do on defense. I don't think you are going to see a drastic change in his scheme or ideas. I think Wilson, if healthy, will have a good 2010 season. The medical redshirt allows him to grow and improve his knowledge of the college game.

joe wilken, gilman, ill: when will illinois fire zook

Moderator: Joe,

I don't think it will happen after this season. I think there will be a minimum number of wins he'll need in 2010 to keep him job. And I don't believe anyone involved with the program will ever say the number of wins needed. Or that there is even a goal like that. But it will be real. And unbending.

Red Grange's Hatred For Illinois, Loves Park, WISCONSIN: Ron Zook is the ultimate hypocrite. Says that Juice will get the next two starts because he deserves it.

Why? What has he done to 'deserve' anything?

The season is over. Everyone seemingly understands this, except the guy that should understand that the most.

To measure consistency, look back to the 2006 season. If Juice deserves these next 2 games, then why didn't Tim Brasic deserve the last 2 games of his senior season then?

The stupidity of this coaching staff just never ceases to amaze.

Moderator: Red Grange,

You are riled up, which we like.

I've often wondered what would have happened in Tim Brasic had been allowed to play more in 2006. I think the team would have had more than two wins. But the coaches wanted to see what Juice Williams could do and it paid off in 2007.

I think the coaches look at Juice as a guy who has put the team first, which is why they want to let him finish his senior year. It's a tough call. I do think Jacob Charest will play in the final two games. How much will depend on how well each guy plays.

Brad S, Wyoming, Illinois: Bob,

I'm in public accounting and am very busy from sometime early in the year until tax day on April 15th. Each year, I eagerly anticipate April 15th as it approaches for obvious reasons. Is there a part of you that looks forward to the end of the college football season so you can catch your breath some? I realize that covering an FBS football team is a year round job, but it can't be nearly as hectic during the offseason.

Moderator: Brad,

I like college football so much that I go through about a two-week mourning period after the BCS title game. And I start counting down to the start of the next season.

It is a yearround job, but a fun one. I will keep busy through spring ball, then get a little break in the summer. The pace definitely slows after signing day in February.

Thanks for thinking about me.

John Cusack, Chicago, IL: Bob, do you think the world is going to end in 2012? Please support your answer.

Moderator: John,

I don't think it's going to end in 2012. But if it does, I hope the Braves can win another World Series between now and then.

The Mayans were brilliant people. They invented basketball, which puts them very high on my list (of course, the losing team's captain got his head chopped off. Good they don't do that at the NCAA tournament).

But it sounds like they've got about 50 different calendars. Maybe they just ran out of space after 2012 and didn't get a new desk calendar. That's what I'm going with.

Mike, Chicago, IL: Hi Bob -

Well this football season has really been a roller coaster ride, although mostly down. Horrible start, some hope, then horrible follow up. As you have a very good knowledge of the team and the program, in your opinion, is Zook the right man for the Illini football program's long term? A one word answer will suffice. Thanks.

Moderator: Mike,

In 2007: yes.

Today: no.

In 2010: maybe.

Ask me again in two weeks. And after signing day.

Shief, Champaign, IL: Illinois's bowl hopes were dashed with the loss to Northwestern this past weekend. I wanted to know, what are the chances that Illinois can be a spoiler against Cincy and Fresno State to hurt their bowl placement possibilities?

Moderator: Shief,

I think Illinois can play with Cincinnati. It will need to get off to a good start and can't have a turnover-filled game. The longer Illinois hangs in the game, the more panicky Cincinnati becomes. I'd say Illinois has about a 10 percent chance to beat Cincinnati.

The odds go up against Fresno State, which isn't as good as Cincinnati. I'd say more like 50 percent. Senior Day helps the Illini. The crowd won't likely be very large.

Cory, Waterloo, Iowa: Which player do you think will not be back next year? I have to assume some of the 5th year seniors who do not participate much could be included (i.e Gulley, Anterio Jackson, Dustin Jefferson, Garrity). Any other that you see?

Moderator: Cory,

Those decisions will be made after the start of the second semester. Because the coaches won't want guys with them in the spring who won't be here in the fall. I'm not sure who will be leaving at this point. I'll check with the coaches after the Fresno State game.

J-Ran, Champaign, Ill.: Bob, love the chats. Wow, John Cusack participated! That's pretty cool. Anyway, with regard to the UI playing state schools, I really think NIU is a scary game for the current UI staff. No, NIU isn't 1-AA, but if there was a state school that could beat Illinois (not named Northwestern) this is it ... and the core of the Huskies' skilled players are underclassmen right now. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.

Moderator: J-Ran,

Northern Illinois beat Purdue. Purdue beat Illinois. I have no trouble believing the Huskies can beat Illinois. They almost knocked off the 2001 Big Ten champs.

tom, bloomington, IL: Is Zook still safe even if we lose the next two games? A 3-9 campaign coming off of 5-7 year in 08 just shows that the program is regressing. If we lose the next two and Zook is back you can count on an average of 10,000 less tickets sold per game next year as it is a weak home schedule to begin with.

Moderator: Tom,

I don't think anything is guaranteed. If the final two losses were blowouts, that might change the way the administration is thinking. But Ron Zook seemed to have solidified his position with consecutive wins.

I do think the season ticket sales will drop before next season.

iLLini_Dan, Madison, WI: Hi Bob,

Is there any Illinois player that you would vote for a spot on the All Big Ten team? I can't really think of anyone that's played well enough to deserve it, but maybe I've missed someone. Also, who are your Big Ten POYs on offense, defense and top frosh? Thanks!

Moderator: Illini Dan,

Maybe Jon Asamoah, but the line hasn't been good overall, so that would be a tough call. My ballot goes in this weekend, so I will give it some thought.

Terry Hawthorne has a chance to be the top freshman. I don't know if he will win the award because folks outside of Champaign don't know all that he's done.

Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark is my very soft choice right now for Offensive POY. And probably Iowa's Pat Angerer or Michigan State's Greg Jones on defense. There are no easy choices.

Ryan, Indianapolis, IN: Why does it seem that this staff has a difficult time evaluating personnel? This leads to a inability to spot and play the best talent at various positions. We seem to have a turnstyle for every offensive position, QB,RB,OL,WR,KR,PR. This method would seem to make it impossible for an offensive unit to gel and become more consistant.

Moderator: Ryan,

Great points. I think the changes on the offensive staff had a major impact on this team, more than anybody imagined. On defense, the only change was on the line, so that shouldn't have been a problem.

I do think consistency is the key to great offense. Use the plays you do the best and get the best people running them. Rinse, repeat.

tom, bloomington, IL: Why did Leshoure who had a good 1st half only get one touch in the 2nd half? I was surprised to see Dufrene get that many calls for him.

Also, why did the staff not adjust to defend the same pass play that got them their first TD in the first half. NU ran that play/pattern 3 or 4 more times with success in the 2nd half and we still couldn't defend it.

What's the latest on Cooper and CJ? Are we still in danger of losing one or both?

Moderator: Tom,

We didn't get an explanation for the lack of playing time for Leshoure in the second half. And Mikel didn't offer one. Ron Zook relies on his assistant coaches to help determine playing time at the different positions. He has some input, of course.

The Illinois defense has never been able to play well against Northwestern's offense. Maybe it's time to give the Wildcats credit for executing well and making changes on their own.

I think Corey Cooper will still sign with Illinois. I'm not as sure about C.J. Fiedorowicz. I think it might be a late January decision.

Randall, Peoria, IL: I have a question about the rule on the "interception" play at the end of the game. If it was truly a forward pass and Fayson never had control of the ball why wouldn't it be an incomplete pass. If he had the ball but was down on the ground wouldn't the play be dead. (I believe in the NFL you can get up and run if you haven't been touched by a defensive player). So by the way this was called, the ball was alive and Fayson would have been allowed to get up and run with the ball if the NW player was allowed to do so? Seems to me that no one was really clear on what the rule really was. Seems to me that it had to be either a fumble or an incompletion. Don't see any way it could have been an interception.

Moderator: Randall,

The ball wasn't ruled incomplete because it never hit the ground. It doesn't matter where Fayson is, only the ball. Once you hit the ground in college, touched or untouched, you can't get up. It's a stupid rule that needs to be changed.

My view of the interception is that the official didn't think Fayson clutched the ball while on the ground, which made it live for McManis to take it away. A really, really tough call.

CJ, Findlay, IL: Honestly...If Zook runs "his" offense and defense, then does it really matter whether or not we make "some changes" at the coordinator positions? I would expect the same thing next year. I'm guessing Guenther just doesn't wanna make another hire befoe he leaves, basically leaving us with another two years of awful football. One more with Zook and another year to transition to a new coach. Illinois can be a football power, but it will never happen with Zook here. And I like him...

Moderator: CJ,

Remind me not to get on your bad side.

I think you will see changes during the offseason that maybe go away from some of Zook's ideas, especially on offense.

You are right that Ron Guenther doesn't want to make another coaching hire. But I think a big part of that is that he believes in the last guy he hired. Right or wrong, it's his call.

Jack, Clinton, Illinois: Bob, Which Ron had the bright idea to take a Saturday off in September? I do think that it is a good idea for all big ten teams to play a game later in the season. I would love to see twelve teams and a conference championship game. I also firmly believe that Illinois should get their act together and get prepared from camp Rantoul to win the first game and beat Missouri. Don't change the schedule beat Missouri! Changing the schedule is the same old losers mentality. Your views? Thanks.

Moderator: Jack,

As I understand it, Ron Zook wanted the week before the start of the Big Ten season off. Ron Guenther accommodated him. Obviously, in hindsight, it was a bad move.

I think Illinois should play one great/very good BCS school every year, in a home and away series. Missouri works for me, but play the game on the campuses.

Moderator: I'm going to cut it off for today. Thanks for all of your great questions. I'll be back next week, same bat time, same bat channel.