James,

Thanks for making me only write Simon C. I'll have a chance to mess up his last name later. Simon and Michael Heitz are competing for a second-team spot at tackle. And Joe Gilbert said Monday the young guys are playing well. It's very hard for linemen to play as freshmen, but it has happened here in recent years (Corey Lewis, Jeff Allen, Hugh Thornton).

Jordan,

Remembering back to Juice's first camp, he had the same kind of struggles. But probably worse. He didn't have the advantage of a redshirt season either.
To me, Nathan is a better passer at this stage in his career than Juice was. I think he has better touch and accuracy. His arm, of course, isn't as strong.

Big Toe,

Very funny stuff at the end. Of course, we have farms in Illinois as well. And we like to eat the food from those farms. But I understand you are poking fun at our beloved neighbors to the west.
I talked to Howard and Dave Revsine on the phone. They were getting dinner at Subway in Rantoul and I was getting ready for our radio show in Champaign.
Coach DiNardo has always been helpful to The News-Gazette. I understand he has been hard on Illinois, but I don't think he says things he doesn't believe. And I don't think he has an agenda against Illinois.

Jimmy,

Bob used to work in the sports department and is a good guy. We've bumped into each other over the years, mostly at football practices.

He doesn't need any help from me with interviewing. He does a fine job. He reminded me that he once helped me cover an Illinois basketball game, going into the opponent locker room to get quotes.

R.P.,

Unfortunately, Loren and I talked to Coach Koenning at different times after Saturday's scrimmage. Koenning was less specific with me about Martez. He was very down about the defensive performance, but I think he cheered up after realizing the stuff was fixable.

To me, the most important part of the scrimmage for Martez Wilson was that he was on the field. Mistakes are to be expected for a guy who hasn't had contact in a year.

I thought Buchanan played OK. I think it's hard to gauge the front four in the scrimmage because the quarterbacks aren't live. Like it or not, they can't play with the same aggressiveness. But I do agree that Buchanan has a tremendous upside.

Scott,

I think the effort has been as good as I've seen in years. You can trace that to two things: lack of success in 2009 and the new coaching staff. There is more energy and the players don't need to be pushed as much as maybe the past couple of teams.
The execution is getting better, but with young players in key positions, there are going to be mistakes. The coaches have made it clear they don't like it.
Illinois has talented running backs and the offensive line can be good. The starting linemen have to stay healthy. If that happens, I think the running game can finish among the top four in the Big Ten.

Andrew,

Nathan Scheelhaase plays like a sophomore (possible) and the defense produces more turnovers than the offense allows.

Luke,

I think that run gave you the answer on Justin Green's health. He said he's almost all the way back. You're right about the combination of Green and Hawthorne as returners. Ron Zook said Monday he wants to see great improvement in that area and likes the work so far.

Steve,

That's a tough call. I don't think he is a starter with this team at corner. But can he be the third guy? Definitely. I still see him as more of a safety. I think the coaches are getting him ready to play both spots. That seems like a good plan.

Dr. Phil,

Good points about the coaches. Both should be on that list.
Reasons to go to St. Louis that don't include The Hill and Ted Drewes:
1. Last time at the Edward Jones Dome, Nathan Scheelhaase was the winning quarterback. He might just come out and play like Blaine Gabbert did a year ago.
2. Illinois running game. It's capable of keeping the defense off the field and taking the pressure off of Scheelhaase.
3. Terry Hawthorne. He didn't have a big role in last year's game. He will this time. And he'll be playing right across the river from him hometown with a whole bunch of fans in the stands. I have a feeling he is going to have a big game.

Jim,

You might be right. I don't think we'll know for sure until the Missouri game. The guys on defense are still learning. There is plenty of inexperience. And guys returning from injury. So, to say the defense is behind right now seems accurate. But the games don't start for almost three weeks. A lot can happen between now and then.

Vernon,

I strongly believe that Ron Zook and his staff will be back in 2011. All of the assistants have two-year contracts, meaning it would cost the school a small fortune to fire everybody. I think Ron Guenther sees this as a two-year deal at the least. The only way that changes is if the team wins one or two games and isn't competitive in the bulk of the games. But I don't see that happening.

Mike,

Justin has played well. He's a good change of pace from the bigger backs. He's got great speed and good hands. I see him as a threat out of the backfield on short passes. And I think he will help Illinois on returns.

John,

I don't anticipate anybody moving from receiver to safety. And I doubt Terry Hawthorne will move to safety because the coaches see him as a potential lockdown corner. If he is able to do that, it makes everybody else's job easier.
I would be stunned if Justin Green moved to defense for the reasons you mention. Plus, I think he could be a major asset to the offense. You've got to score points too.

Chad,

No matter what happens, you shouldn't cry in your PBR. But the defense is the much bigger question mark at this point. The coaches are trying to figure out a way to make all of the parts work.
One thing about the scrimmage: the defense didn't have Ian Thomas, who was out with an injured foot. He is back and is an important part of the defense.

J,

0-10? Wow, that's tough.

A couple of things that might make you feel better: Missouri isn't as good as it was last year and it lost its most recent game to Navy. Missouri, if it has a bad game, can lose to Illinois.
Second: the Illinois offense is going to be a mystery to Missouri. And that could be a huge advantage for Paul Petrino. If Illinois gets off to a fast start, then maybe Missouri is the team that panics.
Sorry about the painful train rides.

Salt,

I keep asking about both and keep getting positive responses from the coaches. But they are also quick to remind that the guys just got here. But both players have potential to make an impact, if not this year than in the near future.