BW,

If I report any specific trick plays, I won't be allowed back at Camp Rantoul. But I have to think they will have something in the works. All schools have a series of trick plays they run out of their special teams. Boise State comes to mind.
With a veteran kicker and punter, you'd have to think both units will be improved. Where Illinois needs to make a move, in my opinion, is in the return game. I think you will see an effort their. I expect Terry Hawthorne to be one of the returners.

Luke,

Good scouting report. I think Darius will have a chance to play this season, but it isn't a lock. The coaches feel like receiver is a position of strength and depth and they would love to redshirt all four guys. But if he keeps playing the way he did Saturday, they will have to put him on the field.
Chandler, from what I understand, wasn't thrilled with his own performance. That's good to not be satisfied. He had good moments and bad, but I agree that he seems to be improving. The important thing for him is to get into a game at some point early in the season.
Osei can be a very good player. But he's got a lot of work to do. You can't beat his athleticism and he was well taught in high school. But it's so different for these guys. You're right, a redshirt would be a great thing for him.
And McGee should stay at receiver. I think that will be the case.

Dennis,

I think it will be a full class. I think there might be a couple of players moving toward commitments in the coming weeks, but I don't have names. I will try to find out who might be on the way.
Defensive line and linebacker is always a priority, but especially in this class. I do like the two linebackers in this class, Houston Bates and Jonathan Brown. They are both going to help early in their careers.

Holy Cow,

All I've heard about Michael Hogan is that is a big sports fan. No matter what else he's got on his plate, that's got to be a good thing for the Illinois football team. I don't think he's going to call plays or higher coaches, but even having the general knowledge can be a good thing. Maybe he can "stop by" when a big shot recruit is in town. Don't think parents wouldn't be impressed by meeting the school president on a visit.
Frankly, as visible as athletic programs are for universities, I'm surprised all of the presidents aren't out in front with the teams. Show up at basketball games and get on TV. That's got to be worth a few admission requests.

Don,

I know that the coaches each have a responsibility. I'll ask Ron Zook who has each one and put it in Tuesday's chat.

Ian,

I thought Travon had a decent night. I think the defensive coaches continue to look for answers at safety. Travon appears to be the nickel back, with Supo Sanni and Trulon Henry starting at the two safety spots. But that can always change.
Ron Zook said this morning and the secondary mistakes on Saturday were a good thing because it taught some lessons to the defensive backs. Apparently, the coaches had been offering warnings to some of the guys about taking too many chances. Now, they've got tape of it.

Beth,

Thanks. Glad to help keep you in touch.
From what I understand, Andrew will continue to be able to work at tight end in certain goal-line and short-yardage situations.
I watched the offensive linemen a little bit today. Andrew is working, but he's behind some of the veterans. It sounds like the starting lineup is almost complete, with one guard spot still open (between Hugh Thornton and Jack Cornell). I'll get a better read on Andrew's status during tonight's full pads practice.

1974 Central grad,

Paul Petrino said Wilson is going to someday make a lot of money. I think he meant in the NFL and not on the stock market. He has big-time talent and the coaches are going to try to get him ready to play ASAP. Good move.
Illinois can beat Missouri. And Missouri can win by 30. Right now, I'm going with the Tigers, 34-24, but can change my mind.
Somebody smart summarized it today by saying, "It's win or nothing." I agree. A close loss won't do this team a lot of good. They have to be thinking win only. You get no points for trying hard and finishing second.

Linda Franks,

The future of Aikens is in the hands of the university. But I don't think he would be on the field as much as he has been if the coaches weren't fairly confident he'll be cleared. He has played well so far.
I'll have to check on Martez Wilson's status. Generally, Ron Zook doesn't like that stuff.

BigToe,

Thanks for all of the great questions. I think I've got this one:

The coaches are going to start with a "by-committee" approach at running back. But it starts with Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford, who are more of a "thunder and thunder" type tandem. If either gets off to a great start, the coaches will re-evaluate. They are going to play the hot hand, like all schools.

To me, Leshoure looks like the best running back on the team. That doesn't mean Jason Ford, Troy Pollard, Justin Green and Bud Golden don't deserve carries. They do. I think Green is a great change-of-pace back. And I think that's how he'll be used.

Pollard is running well. He will get some time.

Ming,

I don't think there will be much in the way of interference from Pres. Hogan in the near future. Down the line, he might get involved, but he just got here. And he's got a whole lot on his plate.
Not to defend Ron Guenther, but I don't think there is a person on the planet who wants to see Illinois win in football more than he does. He's made some decisions that obviously haven't worked out. He keeps trying. And I don't think dumping the coaches is always the right call. Virginia Tech got lucky that it hung on to Frank Beamer when many thought he should go. The courageous AD sees it through despite the criticism.
And I don't blame you for not buying season tickets. Fans have a right to expect the best and when it doesn't happen, they can shut it off.

Lee,

First, don't you love the use of the word "husky"?

Though Illinois is recruiting him (DeAndre Smith now has the Metro East recruiting area), it looks like he is still going to Kentucky. Of course, all of that can change between now and signing day. And Illinois has had good luck with East St. Louis kids in the past. I'd take a wait and see approach to it.

Andy,

I think his touch is a strength for Scheelhaase. Today, he seemed to have the right velocity for the short passes and didn't try to take off any skin.

No question, he throws a more catchable pass than Juice Williams. And there aren't as many at the feet or above the head.