Moderator: We're back for another chat. We've got a bunch of questions ready to go.

A reminder that there will be a chat after the Illinois-Cincinnati game on Friday. We'll start about 4.

SCOTT, OSWEGO, IL: B0B, PURDUE DID NOT MAKE A BOWL FOR APPROX 14 SEASONS TILL JOE TILLER ARRIVED, WISCONSIN WAS AN AWFUL PROGRAM TILL BARRY ALVAREZ ARRIVED, IOWA REALLY STRUGGLED FOR A LONG TIME TILL HAYDEN FRYE ARRIVED, NORTHWESTERN WAS THE WORST PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY TILL GARY BARNETT ARRIVED. THE POINT IS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE BIG TEN IT HAS BEEN PROVEN PROGRAMS THAT HAD HISTORY OF LOSING HAVE TURNED IT AROUND AND BECOME CONSISTENT WINNING PROGRAMS(AT LEAST BOWL BOUND MOST YEARS AND CONTENDING FOR BIG 10 TITLE EVERY FEW YEARS). DID ANYONE HEAR ABOUT VA TECH FOOTBALL BEFORE FRANK BEAMER GOT THERE, THEY HAD A MISERABLE FOOTBALL TRADITION. ILLINOIS HAS FOOTBALL TRADITION BUT VERY, VERY SPOTTY AT BEST. MY QUESTION IS WHY DO YOU THINK FANS, ADMINISTRATION ACCEPT SO MUCH LOSING IN FOOTBALL(NO BACK TO BACK WINNING SEASONS IN 20 SEASONS) AND IF BRUCE WEBER HAD 4 OUT OF 5 LOSING SEASONS HE WOULD HAVE BEEN LONG GONE. BASKETBALL HAS HIGHER EXPECTATIONS AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY? DO YOU HAVE SOME INSIGHT THAT I DO NOT. THERE IS MORE HS TALENT IN ILLINOIS THAN IN IOWA, WISCONISN AND INDIANA.

Moderator: Scott,

You make a great point about Purdue, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern, etc. All those programs have reached a certain level of success many thought impossible for them. VPI is another example. So is Kansas State.

And you are right that four out of five losing seasons by Bruce Weber would be tolerated. People wanted him out after one losing season (they, by the way, are dopes).

I don't think the fans accept losing in football. But, for some reason, it just hasn't happened here. You used to be able to blame the facilities. Not now. Illinois has as good a setup as anybody in the Big Ten.

It takes talent, coaching, planning (schedule goes in there) and some luck to be a consistent winner at Illinois. John Mackovic is the last one who did it with the Illini. But I think it can happen again.

Danimal, Champaign, Il: Bob,

Do you think Zook should be retained another year? Why or why not? I see nothing that gives me hope of turning it around.

Moderator: Danimal,

I want to see what happens the next two games before making a call on that. If Illinois plays hard and even wins a game or two, then I think Ron Zook will be retained.

The wins against Michigan and Minnesota showed that he hasn't lost the players.

I know people think change is always the way to go. But sometimes, you make a mistake by starting over. Ron Zook got Illinois to the Rose Bowl two years ago. Can he do it again? I'm not ready to say no yet.

CBJ, Columbus, OH: Odds Rejus Benn stays if his brother enrolls in January? He'd be crazy to stay and I feel bad for him that he chose to play at Illinois.

Moderator: CBJ,

Don't feel bad for him. He had a great freshman year and a great sophomore year. This year hasn't worked out, but injury is more to blame than anything.

I'm 99 percent sure he is leaving. Even with his brother on the way.

Gary, Danville, IL: Be honest, is Coach Zook the most atrocious head coach in terms of interviews with the media that you have dealt with as a reporter? You could rolodex his answers in news conferences and interviews "we're not where we need to be" and "we're gonna look at what we need to fix and get it fixed". Compare that to Coach Weber who although can ramble on at times taking one question and providing twenty different thoughts on a game, Bruce at least knows the details of the game and provides some insight to the game. With Coach Zook, the appearance is that he doesn't know that a football game was just played! It also intrigues me that in Zook's 5 year tenure I have never once witnessed him speaking to anyone on his headset! Shouldn't the mastermind of "his offense" and "his defense" have something to say to a coordinator? I DVR all the games, and unless Zook is a ventriloquist he never offers a thought for the booth. All I have seen is the "classic Zook pose" pacing the sideline staring up at the scoreboard to see how many timeouts he can SAVE! Finally, any chance HQ can get Coach Guenther on here for a chat?

Moderator: Gary,

We'll go last question first: That's a fantastic idea. And something we will pursue. It probably won't happen until after the end of football season, but we will try.

Coach Zook has actually been good for me from a media standpoint. He uses funny phrases, which I like. And, most important, he is accessible. If I need to call, no matter what the time or day, I feel like I can. If he doesn't answer right away, which is unusual, then he calls back quickly. I'll compare that to a past coach, who I called maybe three times on his cellphone during his tenure.

I guess I need to watch Ron Zook during the games. I know he has both the offensive and defensive coaches available to him on the headset.

Andrew, Milwaukee, WI: Any word on which assistants are coming and going? Who is going to make the new hires (if any): Zook or Guenther?

Moderator: Andrew,

I think all of that will be sorted out after the season. And I think Ron Zook will make the hires. But anybody who gets talked to will want to know what Ron Guenther is thinking about the future. It won't be an easy situation to hire coaches.

James, greenville, SC: Bob,

Do you thinhk the coaches really believe that Charest might be the QB of the future? Zook says he'll play whoever gives the Illini the best chance to win. This couldn't have been his philosophy when he played Juice over Brasic in his freshman year. Is this just his undying loyalty to Juice? I know this is a national television game ans can help with recruits. I'm not one to throw in the towel, but I would think you would attempt to get Charest on the field as much as possible if you believe he might be the future. If we had beaten NU, I would be all for Juice starting. The season is over from a success standpoint. Time to prep for next year.

Moderator: James,

I think Jacob Charest will compete for the starting spot in the spring with Nathan Scheelhaase and Chandler Whitmer. The best player will win the job. Period.

I asked about Jacob in the Cincinnati game during today's press conference. It sounds like he is in the plans, but that Juice will start. Honestly, that makes sense to me. It might do Jacob some good to watch the Cincinnati defense early on. And I think, if healthy, Juice can have a good game against Cincinnati. But the coaches won't tolerate a bunch of blown plays. So, Juice doesn't stay on the field if he isn't moving the team.

Andrew, Milwaukee, WI: Besides Bo Flowers, have any other players left the program since the season started?

Moderator: Andrew,

I don't believe so. It's hard to track without being at practice. But I think Bo is the only one who has gone.

Steven, Kansas City, MO: Hi Bob. What are your thoughts on the play-calling the past couple of weeks with Jacob at QB? Obviously, the offense has to be approached a bit differently than with Juice or Eddie under center. Although Jacob struggled in the first half against Northwestern, the team has moved the ball pretty well otherwise when he's been in, and he seems to have spread the ball around nicely. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thanks.

Moderator: Steven,

My understanding is that Jacob has more of the offense in his possession now than earlier in the season. I think the perfect setup for him is a quicker pace. Get to the line and throw. Get to the line and hand off. I think he showed in the fourth quarter against Northwestern that he can run a hurry up. It would be interesting to see him do it the whole game.

Shamous, Waukegan, IL: Hey Bobbini,

Next time you get a chance to ask Coach Zook a question, please tell him this: The Illini Nation wants to know what you do during a football game? I had the privilege of watching Pat Fitzgerald coach a game last weekend. He's in the huddle, working with individual units on technique and scheme, motivating the team by yelling that they all spring down the sideline to start the 4th quarter and running with them...all things you expect from your head football coach. I sat directly behind the Illinois bench in West Lafayette and Zook doesn't do anything. He's never in the huddle, never working with the lines, or even communicating with anybody on the sideline. He stands by himself and mumbles into his headset. Heck, during the Minnesota game we found out he doesn't even call timeouts.

Moderator: Shamous,

Every coach has his own way of doing things. His own style. I've watched Ron Zook in practice and he is very involved. Maybe his way of doing it is to let the assistants handle the players during the game, which they appreciate.

You've got to coach your personality. But I will definitely ask the question at the next opportunity.

Mike, Chicago, IL: Bob -

What do you do in the off-season when football dies down? Do you pick up coverage for another sport or just go fishing? Thanks for your work this year.

Moderator: Mike,

No fishing. I love to golf, though I'm horrible.

College football has become pretty much a yearround job. When the season ends, there will be recruiting and spring ball.

I am the Illinois wrestling beat writer, but that work won't start until after Jan. 1.

bill, Peoria, Il: If Zook is back, and I think he will be allowed to return, what members of the coaching staff will return? Do you think that Schultz will be back

Moderator: Bill,

We're going to hear all sorts of speculation in the next two weeks about who will be back and who will leave. I think it's important to remember that these aren't just coaches, but people who live in our community, send their kids to our schools, etc.

I think there will be some changes. I'm not sure if Mike Schultz will be back. And I'm not sure there is any way to assess blame on the assistants for the 3-7 season.

Stan, Lynwood, ILLINOIS: Defense wins Championships is there any chance Coach Zook will hire a named DC or get someone from the NFL

Moderator: Stan,

If there are openings, there will be all sorts of options, from both the NFL and college. No matter what you think about the situation at Illinois in 2010, you need to realize that coaching in the Big Ten is considered a good deal. So there will be good candidates for any vacancies.

Corey G., Champaign, Il: I don't think its my imagination, Coach Zook favors Ford over LeShoure. I've seen it over and over again where LeShoure is having a great series and getting a good rhythm and then Zook puts Ford in. I know this is more of a statement than a question but Bob have you noticed this? Not taking anything away from Ford but LeShoure the better back, period.

Moderator: Corey,

I think Mikel is the better of the two, but I think it's close. And I think the coaches are trying to keep the carries relatively close, too.

Mikel has been dealing with some nagging injuries this season, which might have cut into his carries some.

I think the coaches would play their biggest enemy if they thought it would help win games, so I don't buy into the favoritism idea. That's just me.

Peter, St. Louis, MO: Bob,

1. Do you see Martez moving to DE this spring? I don't see any chance he takes the MIKE position away from Ian Thomas and I'm not sure how Martez's ego will feel about moving back outside. We could also use some depth at DE.

2. Who are some legitimate candidates for the likely to open D-Coordinator position next year? If Zook stays, one of the conditions has to be he puts the cabash on this ridiculous co-coordinator system. Dan Disch? Dick Butkus? Vince Okruch? Kevin Hardy? Dana Howard? Let's throw em a curveball.

Moderator: Peter,

I think he will want to move back outside and will move back outside. I don't see him at defensive end. In an odd way, this season off might be a great thing for Martez, provided that he's healthy. And all reports are that he is making the right kind of progress.

Adam, Savoy, IL: Bob:

With as awful as this program has been this year and last, how much do you hate your life (on a scale of 1-10)?

Moderator: Adam,

I would say I love my life at a 10 level. I've got a great family and I love my job. The losses only have an impact on my life in that I don't figure as many people read my stories. But I still try. I'm kind of a glass half full kind of guy.

Gary, Danville, IL: What is the real story with Vince Okruch? He had the best defense at Illinois since the Tepper era and Zook ran him off?

Moderator: Gary,

I think there were personality conflicts between Coach Okruch and Coach Zook. They realized it wasn't going to work out, so Coach Okruch left.

The sad part is that the Akron staff he joined is likely to get fired. Hopefully, he latches on with another school.

Ryan, Decatur, IL: Forget the Pizza, my freshman year roommate was from the nasty-natti, and Skyline's the only way to go.

Anyway, down to business, Is this going to be Benn's big game of the year? He's way past due and frankly, been underused by far this year. He's one of the hardest working guys on the team but we don't reward him enough with the ball.

Also, even with the offense slightly improved (I don't think Schultz saved his job with just the Michigan/Minnesota games) is RG still looking to overhaul some of the coaching staff this offseason?

Thanks!

Moderator: Ryan,

Skyline is awesome.

I would think the time off has been great for Arrelious, so I can picture him having a big game.

I do think there will be changes on the staff. How drastic might depend on how the team finishes.

Rob, Bloomington, IL: If Benn's brother signs with illinois what are the chances he stays for another year?

Moderator: Rob,

I think Trulon Henry will sign with Illinois and I think Arrelious is still leaving. They would be here together the second semester.

Kirk, Iowa City, IA: Bob, Fiedorowicz is going to announce for Iowa at the Lemming Bowl in January. You ready for Illinois to be a huge laughingstock at the All-American game?

Moderator: Kirk,

I don't know what will happen with C.J. We've been trying to get ahold of him with no luck.

I'll tell you that he'll be on our All-State team which is announced Thursday. I've talked to him a couple of times and really like him. I wish him the best no matter where he goes to school, though it would be fun to cover him here.

I think the All-American announcement, if he picks Iowa, will be more of a good thing for the Hawkeyes than a bad thing for Illinois.

Ben, Champaign, IL: Bob, love the chats.

I saw ESL's Detchauz Wray play at the state finals last year. Where's he going to college?

Moderator: Ben,

I'll try to find out. I don't think he was considered a top prospect like Terry Hawthorne and Kraig Appleton. More of a second-line guy.

The Flyers have oodles of D-I players coming soon.

Ken, Urbana, IL: will we see Charest on Friday?

If so, how much

Moderator: Ken,

I think he'll play. How much will depend on how the offense performs with Juice Williams in control.

tom, bloomington, IL: Bob, I thought Loren's column today was weak. He points out the obvious and that is that football matters at Notre Dame but not at Illinois. At least not historically. If Zook is retained after the 2nd losing season in a row as well as 4 out of 5 losing season we only reaffirm that fact. FOOTBALL SUCCESS STILL DOESN'T MATTER!! But why doesn't Tate summarize the article. How we got to this point. Who is to blame. How can we fix it or better yet who can fix it and most importantly DEMAND that football be fixed at Illinois. Do you or anyone on the N-G staff have an opinion on what should be done?

Moderator: Tom,

First, while we don't always agree, I will forever defend Loren's right to write it the way he sees it.

There are all sorts of ideas on how to fix Illinois football. They fixed the facilities, so that's a good start. Some think change the coach. Some think keep the coach. All I know for sure is that constant turnover at the top and on the staff is the worst way to build a program. You need to weather some storms if you believe you have the right guy in charge.

Yelling "Fix the program" alone won't get it done. But letting the school know how you feel about the direction of the program is a logical thing for any fan to do. If you don't like the way it's going, tell people. But you also have to show the patience needed to build a football program. It can't be done in two games. Or in two seasons. In some cases, it might take a decade. But, in my opinion, Illinois can be a consistent winner in football.

Spencer, Champaign, il: Why cant we get Dick Butkis as a head coach, or atleast some part of the staff? Who wouldn't want to play for the best linebacker in the history of football.

Moderator: Spencer,

I don't think Mr. Butkus would want to take on the job. Frankly, he scares me a little bit.

But you are right, everybody would want to play for him.

Speaking of great linebackers from the Illinois past, I think John Holecek would be a great addition to the Illinois staff if he is willing. Just my opinion.

bill g, springfield, ill: Will Corey Cooper sign with the illini and how about Prather

Moderator: Bill,

Corey, yes. Kyle Prater, no.

Brian, Urbana, IL: Bob,

what bowls are possibilities for Iowa?

And why doenst Ferentz get more respect? It seems like he quietly has his teams winning 8-9 games a year. He doesnt bring in the "top 20" classes like some other schools. He seems to recruit players that fit well in his system

Moderator: Brian,

I think Iowa has a great chance to go to the Fiesta Bowl. If it doesn't get in the BCS, then it goes to the Capital One.

I voted for Kirk Ferentz for Big Ten Coach of the Year and he won. I think he has earned and has a high level of respect from those who follow college football.

How about Kirk Ferentz at Notre Dame?

Vince, Sierra Vista, AZ: Please note from my question yesterday gentlemen, http://ihsa.tv is covering all the games online streaming live. I'm sorry to bother, but maybe there are some others in my situation that could use the information.

Thank you for your time.

Vince Mannin

Moderator: Vince,

That's great information. And no bother at all.

Matt, Wood Dale, IL: Why don't you give Ed Bond his camera back? He's missed the new stadiums at Indiana and Minnesota, and it will be a long time before we return to Cincinnati. At least grab a few pictures of the city before the carnage starts.

Moderator: Matt,

Done. Though Bondo has plenty on his plate.

Len, Sbdo, cali: As always I enjoy your chats. When a scholarship player quits or transfer does that open up a scholarship for the following year. Never had thought about it but with the prospect of some players as always leaving early how does that affect the 2010 class.

Moderator: Len,

Yes, when a player leaves, it makes another scholarship available for the next season. Numbers-wise, I don't think Illinois will be able to take a huge class in 2010.

Brad, Champaign, IL: Bob,

what are you hearing about the Michigan situation? Obviously a lot of people didnt want him in the first place, and know struggling to get bowl eligible.

If they dont make a bowl, will they make a change?

Moderator: Brad,

I hear they are goiong to stick with Rich Rodriguez. But don't be stunned if he looks around a bit. Let's say an ACC or Big East school has an opening. Maybe he takes it if the money is right. Look out if Michigan opens up again.

Dave C., Champaign, IL: Will Martez Wilson be able to take a red shirt year for missing most of 2009?

Moderator: Dave,

Yes, Martez will get a medical redshirt. If it hasn't been approved already, it will be. It's determined by the amount of time you play and he didn't go past the allowable amount of time on the field. Basically, he was a redshirt this season.

Moderator: I'm going to cut it off for the day. Thanks for all of your great questions. Ask away on Friday. And everybody enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner.