Talk with Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:00 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Welcome back to another chat. We've got a combination of questions, so I'm going to get to them right away.
the terminator from obama arm pit, Help — 01:00 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob: no Illini. You should be shot in the knee caps. Later traitor!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:01 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
The terminator,
Ow, that smarts. I assume you are talking about me leaving Illinois out of the NCAA tournament bracket. The selection committee did the same thing. Are they getting knee-capped too?
watching the crack pipe from don't hit the ground, Il. — 01:01 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob: The Illini arer a no brainer. Put down your crack pipe.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:03 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
watching,
Turns out Illinois was a no-brainer ... for the NIT. I picked my NCAA tournament bracket based on the facts at hand. At the time we went to press, I didn't feel Illinois was in and didn't see a way for it to move into the bracket. Beat Bradley, Utah or Minnesota and Illinois makes the field. I'm not sure what would have happened had Illinois beat Ohio State in the Big Ten semifinal, but I have to think that would put it over the top.
Marc from Evanston, IL — 01:03 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
My thought yesterday: if Minnesota loses by more than 25 to OSU then the Illini should move back ahead of them. Well, they lost by 29!!! Illini had a better big 10 record, beat a complete Wisconsin squad and played OSU to double OT with a nationally recognized exciting player- McCamey. Minnesota beat MSU without Allen and Purdue without Hummel. They needed to win out in the Big 10 tournament and they didnt. And they have no exciting star which the selection committee loves. So there.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:04 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Marc,
Minnesota beat Illinois in Champaign. I think that ends the argument. I think Illinois was fighting other schools for the final spots, like Utah State and Florida.
Groundhogday from Pullman, WA — 01:04 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
I can't remember a spring with less interest in Illinois football. Do the coaches want to fly under the radar this year? If not, then are they making plans for open spring practices, making players and coaches available for interviews, etc...? It seems like the media have been kept in the dark more than in the past... is this my imagination?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:06 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Groundhogday,
Illinois is about to make significant changes in the way it plays offense and defense. I think the coaches feel the less information out there, the better it will be for the team in the fall. They've got a lot of work to do in a short period of time, so I don't think the buzz on a campus or in town is a big deal to the coaches. Bottom line, they have to win if they want to be here in 2011.
Andy from Urbana, IL — 01:06 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob -
With Jon Asamoah moving on I'm looking at Hugh Thornton as the next big thing on the O-Line. He looked like the real deal to me. Your thoughts?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:08 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Andy,
Great observation. Although I think the coaches are hoping Jeff Allen can become a star. He didn't progress as much as they thought he would last season, but he is still a young guy.
Thornton reminds me a lot of Asamoah at the same age. He's got a good personality for the offensive line. And he's got top end talent.
Mike from Wheaton, IL — 01:09 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob, transitioning to a new offensive scheme is always difficult (see Michigan 2008) and I have read that Petrino's offense is complicated. How have prior Petrino teams (e.g., Louisville, Arkansas) done in their first year under the new offensive system?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:14 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Mike,
The 2003 Louisville team finished fifth in the nation in total offense with a quarterback that didn't exactly fit the Petrino system. They made it work with Stefan Lefors.
The 2008 Arkansas team ranked 49th in total offense. That was a significant drop from the 2007 team, but the Razorbacks were loaded with running backs that year (first-round picks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones).
I think the change in style is easier the way Illinois is going than what Arkansas tried to do. And Petrino's offense was very good the second season, finishing 20th in total yards.
J-Ran from Champaign, IL — 01:14 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Hey Bob, love the chats. For no apparent reason today I was thinking about Michigan football, particularly Rich Rodriguez's job security. They open with UConn, then are at Notre Dame, then play UMass and then play BGSU before opening Big Ten play at Indiana. In your mind, if Michigan enters Big Ten play 0-4, 1-3 or 2-2 do you think Rich-Rod will be fired midseason? Do you see any kind of scenario where he doesn't make it through the 2010 campaign?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
J-Ran,
I think Michigan will let him finish the season. I think it's very difficult to fire a guy midyear unless there is a major scandal or you are getting blown out every game. And I don't see that happening. Michigan should get off to a good start. Remember that Notre Dame is starting over with a new coach and lost a ton of stars on offense.
Don from Springfield, Il — 01:16 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Is Lendell Buckner still on the team? Who are the top potential replacements if Josh Brent can't return.....Spence?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:19 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Don,
Yes, Lendell Buckner is still with the team. I think he will be one of the guys taking a shot at an inside position on the defensive line. Akeem Spence might be an option. The good thing for Illinois is that Corey Liuget is back. I think the coaches will move forward as if Brent won't be back. If he returns, it will be a bonus.
Jim from Lemont, IL — 01:19 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
If Josh Brent doesn't make it back to Illinois, who are the other options at DT? Darryl Ballew would seem to have the size, but I've seen no mention of hiim for a year. And when will the NG or UI release an updated roster so fans know who is still on the team??
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:21 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Jim,
I will get a roster into the paper ASAP. I would think you will see a player or two consider moving on before next season (that happens every year), but I haven't heard anything lately.
Depth at defensive tackle will be something the coaches try to address in the spring.
Andrew from Urbana, IL — 01:21 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Hey Bob,
Not hearing much on Jarod Fayson, with all the hype last year I think he can be big time this year. Is Petrino excited about Fayson based off his potential?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:23 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Andrew,
The consensus in the football office is that Fayson fits the offense and could be a major player in 2010. Paul Petrino will want to get him the ball early and often. I will do a story on Fayson early in spring practice to see how he is feeling about it. But I've heard all good things.
J-Ran from Champaign, IL — 01:24 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob, love the chats. Here's a followup. I view the following Big Ten coaches on the hotseat this season.
Rich-Rod, Michigan; Bill Lynch, Indiana; Ron Zook, Illinois; maybe even Mark Dantonio, MSU.
We could see quite the turnover heading into the 2011 season. I'd say this is the end for Lynch if the Hoosiers don't reach a bowl.
Also, if Rodriguez gets fired, what are the chances Fitzgerald is A) offered by Michigan and B) takes the job. I know he loves NU, but c'mon, it's Michigan ... and he seems like a guy who would welcome a challenge and would be a decent fit to turn around some of the off-the-field transgressions at Michigan. Thoughts?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:26 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
J-Ran,
You are on top of it. I think Indiana might show a bit more patience than you are. I think if the team is playing well, it won't need to get to a bowl. But it better happen in the next two years.
I don't think there is any thought of a coaching change at Michigan State.
I thought Pat Fitzgerald was the perfect fit for Notre Dame. I think he would be a great hire for a lot of schools. But I don't see him going to Michigan. If RichRod fails, I will be stunned if the next coach isn't Les Miles or Jim Harbaugh.
Jake from Shelbyville, Il — 01:26 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob,
With the fiasco that happened this past year in football and with the poor recruiting that resulted do you honestly think that things will be better next year or should we brace ourselves for another season similar to this past season. Thanks for the chats, you do a great job.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:28 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Jake,
The recruiting that is important to the 2010 season happened in 2007, 08 and 09. The recent class wasn't highly rated, but the impact from that won't come until down the road. As Tom Lemming said, you can get away with one down class if you are stacking on top of good classes, which is the case at Illinois.
I would tell you to brace yourself for a rough year, then be pleasantly surprised if it goes the other way. I think the coaching changes improve Illinois' chance to compete in 2010. The schedule isn't easy, but it isn't as hard as the one the team just played.
The Missouri game is again a very important factor in how the season goes.
Jason from Pekin, IL — 01:28 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Have you watched Kapri Bibbs at all? If so what do you think he will bring to the offense?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Jason,
I haven't seen him. I know about him because he was a candidate for our all-state team. From what I understand, his commitment isn't official. We will try to pin down his situation.
SW from Forsyth, Il — 01:29 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Are there any offensive linemen or fullbacks who are being looked at to convert to the DL? Who are the best DL candidates in your view?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:30 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
SW,
I haven't heard anything specific other than offensive lineman Andrew Carter moving to tight end. I think the coaches will experiment in the spring with a few guys. We will let you know as it happens.
Jason from Pekin, IL — 01:30 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Do you feel with Brohm's experience as a player at all levels and his time with Louisville will aid in the development of all our QB's and our offense as a whole?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:32 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Jason,
Definitely. Brohm coached his brother Brian, who had great success at Louisville. The quarterbacks who have worked under him have put up good numbers. And being a former NFL quarterback adds to the respect level from the players. They will listen to every word.
This offense needs solid play from the quarterbacks or Illinois is in real trouble.
Flight Fan from The Sky, Earth — 01:33 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob, love the chats. With warmer weather comes much less cloud cover, which means a perfect opportunity for a flyover. Can you tell me what the plans are for flyovers during spring practice? I would think the players might stay a little more ... check that ... a LOT more focused if they were treated to a flyover before every practice. Trust me, this can only help. Also, what kind of aircraft can we expect for the spring game in April?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:34 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Flight,
You are out of luck in the spring. Maybe Alabama gets a flyover, but not Illinois. But don't be surprised if you see a flyover early next season.
The good thing for Illinois is that the flyovers are free. The bad thing for taxpayers is that they are ultimately coming out of your pocket. But we always support the military.
Dr. Phil from Orland Park, IL — 01:34 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob, with spring practice two weeks away and you moonlighting as a basketball bracketologist, it must be slow on the Illini football front, so my questions relate to the national scene of college football.
Mike Leach got chance to listen to Craig James in court recently in connection to Leach's lawsuit. What do you think will be the outcome of that case? Next, would you, as an AD, hire Leach after the case's outcome and why?
Also, South Florida's Jim Leavitt has filed a lawsuit against his former school. What does this say, if anything, about the state of the college coaching profession and college football in general? Thank you for your time.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:38 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Dr. Phil,
I've been keeping busy with football, filling a full page during each Sunday of the offseason. The bracketology is a hobby.
Obviously, Mike Leach isn't getting his job back. But I'm guessing he could get a big chunk of money out of the school.
I would hire Leach. He isn't the easiest guy, but you know that when you hire him. But he is a winner who built Texas Tech beyond any place it had been in the past. His offenses are exciting and his personality is appealing. Plus, once you get past the initial backlash, having him on campus will add to your school's national profile.
I think the Leach and Leavitt cases were a sign of some changes. But it doesn't worry me. In both cases, I think the schools might have been looking to make changes and got a break with the behavior.
Steve from Ft. Lauderdale, FL — 01:39 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Do you have a list of the guys who won't participate in the spring? Also, did you hear about any guys who may have missed the early morning conditioning?
love the chats.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:40 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Steve,
Last time I asked Ron Zook, he said Martez Wilson and Miami Thomas won't be allowed contact. He didn't mention anybody else.
I haven't heard about any missed morning workouts. It will be easy to tell if there was a problem when the players start spring practice in two weeks.
dennis from Mchenry, Illinois — 01:41 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Seems like the Illini can sneak up on a few teams this year, especially if they are taken for granted because of the past 2 years. Do you see that happening. Also what is the progress of Pocic and Hill. Can we expect any early commits like other teams.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:44 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Dennis,
That seemed to happen in 2007. I think it would be human nature for Missouri to take Illinois lightly after the way the Tigers have dominated the recent series. Northern Illinois will be fired up and so will Southern Illinois. The early Big Ten schedule is again difficult for Illinois.
Graham Pocic seems to moving toward more playing time this season. I'm not as sure about Hill. I'll have to pay close attention to him in the spring.
That reminds me: if there's something specific you want to know about a player during the spring, email me and I will ask the questions. I'm your conduit to the team. My email is asmussen@news-gazette.com.
Shamwow Guy from Tent City, The street — 01:44 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob, if there was a UFC event featuring all of the Big Ten coaches, who would win in a mixed martial arts tournament? We'll exclude Joe-Pa (he'd wreck everyone). I'd think Zook, Fitz and Dantonio could be the front runners in a fight, but I bet Ferentz is mean and Bielema could use his weight. Please seed and play out this fighting tournament. Who is in the finals? Who wins?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:49 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Shamwow,
What a fun question. Here goes:
1. Zook
2. Fitzgerald
3. Dantonio
4. Ferentz.
5. Brewster
6. RichRod
They all get first-round byes
7. Bielema over 10. Tressel
8. Hope over 9. Lynch
Second round
1. Zook over 8. Hope
4. Ferentz over 5. Brewster
2. Fitzgerald over 7. Bielema
6. RichRod over 3. Dantonio--Extra practice helps
Semifinal
1. Zook over 4. Ferentz
2. Fitzgerald over 6. RichRod
Final
1. Zook over 2. Fitzgerald. At Wrigley Field.
Jason from Pekin, IL — 01:49 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
If you were to guess on which WR or WR(s) could have a break out season, who would he/they be? thanks
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:50 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Jason,
There are plenty of openings to fill. I'll start with Fayson, who I mentioned earlier. And I think A.J. Jenkins will show the ability the coaches have been waiting for.
Steve from Mattoon, Il — 01:50 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
What's your gut feeling regarding the upcoming Illini football season, better record than last year, same record as last year, or worse record than last year?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:51 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Steve,
I think the team will be better than 3-9. It could be any where from 7-5 to 4-8.
Cary from Champaign, illinois — 01:51 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob I have heard from multiple sources that Scheelhaase looks to have gotten bigger and stronger. Other than the fact that Jacob played very very little snaps last year. What intangibles does he possess that Nathan does not have? I say this because we should not play someone because they got on the field and the other player opted to keep his red shirt on. Keeping the red shirt on was what I also would have done. We were terrible. I feel Jacob got on the field by default. It was not EARNED. This goes for all positions we must play those players that are game breakers who pose a threat to the other team. I cant stomach another season like last year. If coach does not put the best talent on the field not only will he be gone but there are a bunch of us that will not renew our tickets for next year. I just want to win baby!!!!!!!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:55 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Cary,
I don't doubt for a second the coaches will play the best quarterback. And I don't think we know who that player is yet. Jacob Charest has an advantage at the start because he played last season. The experience is big. But that doesn't mean Scheelhaase or Chandler Whitmer can't win the job. Illinois will come out of the spring with a new starting quarterback and it could be any of the three. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Marc from Champaign, Illinois — 01:55 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Have you heard any news on the USC NCAA investigation? I saw the other day that their #1 recruit has signed with them. He originally said he wouldn't sign until he heard about their possible sanctions. Sounds to me that USC might get off.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:57 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Marc,
The sanctions haven't come down yet. I disagree with those who believe the NCAA won't punish Southern Cal because of its status as a football elite. Kentucky was punished in basketball. So was Kansas.
I do think the change at the top will help Southern Cal. And I think the school will cooperate.
Mike from Champaign, IL — 01:57 PM on Tue, 03/16/2010
Bob-
Care to elaborate as to why you think Arizona State will beat Illinois at the Garden in your NIT bracket?
Welcome back to another chat. We've got a combination of questions, so I'm going to get to them right away.
Bob: no Illini. You should be shot in the knee caps. Later traitor!
The terminator,
Ow, that smarts. I assume you are talking about me leaving Illinois out of the NCAA tournament bracket. The selection committee did the same thing. Are they getting knee-capped too?
Bob: The Illini arer a no brainer. Put down your crack pipe.
watching,
Turns out Illinois was a no-brainer ... for the NIT. I picked my NCAA tournament bracket based on the facts at hand. At the time we went to press, I didn't feel Illinois was in and didn't see a way for it to move into the bracket. Beat Bradley, Utah or Minnesota and Illinois makes the field. I'm not sure what would have happened had Illinois beat Ohio State in the Big Ten semifinal, but I have to think that would put it over the top.
My thought yesterday: if Minnesota loses by more than 25 to OSU then the Illini should move back ahead of them. Well, they lost by 29!!! Illini had a better big 10 record, beat a complete Wisconsin squad and played OSU to double OT with a nationally recognized exciting player- McCamey. Minnesota beat MSU without Allen and Purdue without Hummel. They needed to win out in the Big 10 tournament and they didnt. And they have no exciting star which the selection committee loves. So there.
Marc,
Minnesota beat Illinois in Champaign. I think that ends the argument. I think Illinois was fighting other schools for the final spots, like Utah State and Florida.
I can't remember a spring with less interest in Illinois football. Do the coaches want to fly under the radar this year? If not, then are they making plans for open spring practices, making players and coaches available for interviews, etc...? It seems like the media have been kept in the dark more than in the past... is this my imagination?
Groundhogday,
Illinois is about to make significant changes in the way it plays offense and defense. I think the coaches feel the less information out there, the better it will be for the team in the fall. They've got a lot of work to do in a short period of time, so I don't think the buzz on a campus or in town is a big deal to the coaches. Bottom line, they have to win if they want to be here in 2011.
Bob -
With Jon Asamoah moving on I'm looking at Hugh Thornton as the next big thing on the O-Line. He looked like the real deal to me. Your thoughts?
Andy,
Great observation. Although I think the coaches are hoping Jeff Allen can become a star. He didn't progress as much as they thought he would last season, but he is still a young guy.
Thornton reminds me a lot of Asamoah at the same age. He's got a good personality for the offensive line. And he's got top end talent.
Bob, transitioning to a new offensive scheme is always difficult (see Michigan 2008) and I have read that Petrino's offense is complicated. How have prior Petrino teams (e.g., Louisville, Arkansas) done in their first year under the new offensive system?
Mike,
The 2003 Louisville team finished fifth in the nation in total offense with a quarterback that didn't exactly fit the Petrino system. They made it work with Stefan Lefors.
The 2008 Arkansas team ranked 49th in total offense. That was a significant drop from the 2007 team, but the Razorbacks were loaded with running backs that year (first-round picks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones).
I think the change in style is easier the way Illinois is going than what Arkansas tried to do. And Petrino's offense was very good the second season, finishing 20th in total yards.
Hey Bob, love the chats. For no apparent reason today I was thinking about Michigan football, particularly Rich Rodriguez's job security. They open with UConn, then are at Notre Dame, then play UMass and then play BGSU before opening Big Ten play at Indiana. In your mind, if Michigan enters Big Ten play 0-4, 1-3 or 2-2 do you think Rich-Rod will be fired midseason? Do you see any kind of scenario where he doesn't make it through the 2010 campaign?
J-Ran,
I think Michigan will let him finish the season. I think it's very difficult to fire a guy midyear unless there is a major scandal or you are getting blown out every game. And I don't see that happening. Michigan should get off to a good start. Remember that Notre Dame is starting over with a new coach and lost a ton of stars on offense.
Is Lendell Buckner still on the team? Who are the top potential replacements if Josh Brent can't return.....Spence?
Don,
Yes, Lendell Buckner is still with the team. I think he will be one of the guys taking a shot at an inside position on the defensive line. Akeem Spence might be an option. The good thing for Illinois is that Corey Liuget is back. I think the coaches will move forward as if Brent won't be back. If he returns, it will be a bonus.
If Josh Brent doesn't make it back to Illinois, who are the other options at DT? Darryl Ballew would seem to have the size, but I've seen no mention of hiim for a year. And when will the NG or UI release an updated roster so fans know who is still on the team??
Jim,
I will get a roster into the paper ASAP. I would think you will see a player or two consider moving on before next season (that happens every year), but I haven't heard anything lately.
Depth at defensive tackle will be something the coaches try to address in the spring.
Hey Bob,
Not hearing much on Jarod Fayson, with all the hype last year I think he can be big time this year. Is Petrino excited about Fayson based off his potential?
Andrew,
The consensus in the football office is that Fayson fits the offense and could be a major player in 2010. Paul Petrino will want to get him the ball early and often. I will do a story on Fayson early in spring practice to see how he is feeling about it. But I've heard all good things.
Bob, love the chats. Here's a followup. I view the following Big Ten coaches on the hotseat this season.
Rich-Rod, Michigan; Bill Lynch, Indiana; Ron Zook, Illinois; maybe even Mark Dantonio, MSU.
We could see quite the turnover heading into the 2011 season. I'd say this is the end for Lynch if the Hoosiers don't reach a bowl.
Also, if Rodriguez gets fired, what are the chances Fitzgerald is A) offered by Michigan and B) takes the job. I know he loves NU, but c'mon, it's Michigan ... and he seems like a guy who would welcome a challenge and would be a decent fit to turn around some of the off-the-field transgressions at Michigan. Thoughts?
J-Ran,
You are on top of it. I think Indiana might show a bit more patience than you are. I think if the team is playing well, it won't need to get to a bowl. But it better happen in the next two years.
I don't think there is any thought of a coaching change at Michigan State.
I thought Pat Fitzgerald was the perfect fit for Notre Dame. I think he would be a great hire for a lot of schools. But I don't see him going to Michigan. If RichRod fails, I will be stunned if the next coach isn't Les Miles or Jim Harbaugh.
Bob,
With the fiasco that happened this past year in football and with the poor recruiting that resulted do you honestly think that things will be better next year or should we brace ourselves for another season similar to this past season. Thanks for the chats, you do a great job.
Jake,
The recruiting that is important to the 2010 season happened in 2007, 08 and 09. The recent class wasn't highly rated, but the impact from that won't come until down the road. As Tom Lemming said, you can get away with one down class if you are stacking on top of good classes, which is the case at Illinois.
I would tell you to brace yourself for a rough year, then be pleasantly surprised if it goes the other way. I think the coaching changes improve Illinois' chance to compete in 2010. The schedule isn't easy, but it isn't as hard as the one the team just played.
The Missouri game is again a very important factor in how the season goes.
Have you watched Kapri Bibbs at all? If so what do you think he will bring to the offense?
Jason,
I haven't seen him. I know about him because he was a candidate for our all-state team. From what I understand, his commitment isn't official. We will try to pin down his situation.
Are there any offensive linemen or fullbacks who are being looked at to convert to the DL? Who are the best DL candidates in your view?
SW,
I haven't heard anything specific other than offensive lineman Andrew Carter moving to tight end. I think the coaches will experiment in the spring with a few guys. We will let you know as it happens.
Do you feel with Brohm's experience as a player at all levels and his time with Louisville will aid in the development of all our QB's and our offense as a whole?
Jason,
Definitely. Brohm coached his brother Brian, who had great success at Louisville. The quarterbacks who have worked under him have put up good numbers. And being a former NFL quarterback adds to the respect level from the players. They will listen to every word.
This offense needs solid play from the quarterbacks or Illinois is in real trouble.
Bob, love the chats. With warmer weather comes much less cloud cover, which means a perfect opportunity for a flyover. Can you tell me what the plans are for flyovers during spring practice? I would think the players might stay a little more ... check that ... a LOT more focused if they were treated to a flyover before every practice. Trust me, this can only help. Also, what kind of aircraft can we expect for the spring game in April?
Flight,
You are out of luck in the spring. Maybe Alabama gets a flyover, but not Illinois. But don't be surprised if you see a flyover early next season.
The good thing for Illinois is that the flyovers are free. The bad thing for taxpayers is that they are ultimately coming out of your pocket. But we always support the military.
Bob, with spring practice two weeks away and you moonlighting as a basketball bracketologist, it must be slow on the Illini football front, so my questions relate to the national scene of college football.
Mike Leach got chance to listen to Craig James in court recently in connection to Leach's lawsuit. What do you think will be the outcome of that case? Next, would you, as an AD, hire Leach after the case's outcome and why?
Also, South Florida's Jim Leavitt has filed a lawsuit against his former school. What does this say, if anything, about the state of the college coaching profession and college football in general? Thank you for your time.
Dr. Phil,
I've been keeping busy with football, filling a full page during each Sunday of the offseason. The bracketology is a hobby.
Obviously, Mike Leach isn't getting his job back. But I'm guessing he could get a big chunk of money out of the school.
I would hire Leach. He isn't the easiest guy, but you know that when you hire him. But he is a winner who built Texas Tech beyond any place it had been in the past. His offenses are exciting and his personality is appealing. Plus, once you get past the initial backlash, having him on campus will add to your school's national profile.
I think the Leach and Leavitt cases were a sign of some changes. But it doesn't worry me. In both cases, I think the schools might have been looking to make changes and got a break with the behavior.
Do you have a list of the guys who won't participate in the spring? Also, did you hear about any guys who may have missed the early morning conditioning?
love the chats.
Steve,
Last time I asked Ron Zook, he said Martez Wilson and Miami Thomas won't be allowed contact. He didn't mention anybody else.
I haven't heard about any missed morning workouts. It will be easy to tell if there was a problem when the players start spring practice in two weeks.
Seems like the Illini can sneak up on a few teams this year, especially if they are taken for granted because of the past 2 years. Do you see that happening. Also what is the progress of Pocic and Hill. Can we expect any early commits like other teams.
Dennis,
That seemed to happen in 2007. I think it would be human nature for Missouri to take Illinois lightly after the way the Tigers have dominated the recent series. Northern Illinois will be fired up and so will Southern Illinois. The early Big Ten schedule is again difficult for Illinois.
Graham Pocic seems to moving toward more playing time this season. I'm not as sure about Hill. I'll have to pay close attention to him in the spring.
That reminds me: if there's something specific you want to know about a player during the spring, email me and I will ask the questions. I'm your conduit to the team. My email is asmussen@news-gazette.com.
Bob, if there was a UFC event featuring all of the Big Ten coaches, who would win in a mixed martial arts tournament? We'll exclude Joe-Pa (he'd wreck everyone). I'd think Zook, Fitz and Dantonio could be the front runners in a fight, but I bet Ferentz is mean and Bielema could use his weight. Please seed and play out this fighting tournament. Who is in the finals? Who wins?
Shamwow,
What a fun question. Here goes:
1. Zook
2. Fitzgerald
3. Dantonio
4. Ferentz.
5. Brewster
6. RichRod
They all get first-round byes
7. Bielema over 10. Tressel
8. Hope over 9. Lynch
Second round
1. Zook over 8. Hope
4. Ferentz over 5. Brewster
2. Fitzgerald over 7. Bielema
6. RichRod over 3. Dantonio--Extra practice helps
Semifinal
1. Zook over 4. Ferentz
2. Fitzgerald over 6. RichRod
Final
1. Zook over 2. Fitzgerald. At Wrigley Field.
If you were to guess on which WR or WR(s) could have a break out season, who would he/they be? thanks
Jason,
There are plenty of openings to fill. I'll start with Fayson, who I mentioned earlier. And I think A.J. Jenkins will show the ability the coaches have been waiting for.
What's your gut feeling regarding the upcoming Illini football season, better record than last year, same record as last year, or worse record than last year?
Steve,
I think the team will be better than 3-9. It could be any where from 7-5 to 4-8.
Bob I have heard from multiple sources that Scheelhaase looks to have gotten bigger and stronger. Other than the fact that Jacob played very very little snaps last year. What intangibles does he possess that Nathan does not have? I say this because we should not play someone because they got on the field and the other player opted to keep his red shirt on. Keeping the red shirt on was what I also would have done. We were terrible. I feel Jacob got on the field by default. It was not EARNED. This goes for all positions we must play those players that are game breakers who pose a threat to the other team. I cant stomach another season like last year. If coach does not put the best talent on the field not only will he be gone but there are a bunch of us that will not renew our tickets for next year. I just want to win baby!!!!!!!
Cary,
I don't doubt for a second the coaches will play the best quarterback. And I don't think we know who that player is yet. Jacob Charest has an advantage at the start because he played last season. The experience is big. But that doesn't mean Scheelhaase or Chandler Whitmer can't win the job. Illinois will come out of the spring with a new starting quarterback and it could be any of the three. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Have you heard any news on the USC NCAA investigation? I saw the other day that their #1 recruit has signed with them. He originally said he wouldn't sign until he heard about their possible sanctions. Sounds to me that USC might get off.
Marc,
The sanctions haven't come down yet. I disagree with those who believe the NCAA won't punish Southern Cal because of its status as a football elite. Kentucky was punished in basketball. So was Kansas.
I do think the change at the top will help Southern Cal. And I think the school will cooperate.
Bob-
Care to elaborate as to why you think Arizona State will beat Illinois at the Garden in your NIT bracket?