Ask beat writer Bob Asmussen about the Illinois football team
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:04 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Welcome back to another chat. Sorry about being a couple of minutes late, but I had to wolf down some Taco Bell. Sportswriters eat healthy.
A ton of questions in the hopper, so let's get to it.
Does Not Live and Die Based On What Loren Says from Kickapoo — 01:04 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Did you read Loren's chat yesterday? The vitriol against him by same "fans" is frightening. Thoughts? Sure, we all are entitled to strongly held views, and vigorous debate is a good idea. I know Loren has a thick skin, but the personal attacks on him were out of line. Thoughts?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:07 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Does not live,
Of course, I'm going to defend Loren. He's a 78-year-old who works harder than people half his age. And you're right, he does have a thick skin.
For some reason, people want to pick on Loren, which is their right. He's a big boy. He can take it. But I do wish it was a bit friendlier.
Loren could skip the questions. But he chooses to answer them. That's another reason to admire him.
Marcus from Monument, CO — 01:07 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Bob, Thanks for all your work, Tremendous!
I thought the Illini were respectable Saturday. Defense was improved and made several good stands. Special Teams were solid. Offense struggled, we will have to get some sort of passing game going to loosen up the line so other teams dont put 8 & 9 in the box.
I was extremely impressed that we did not fold like in past years. So glad MO is off the schedule, would be an ok game later in the year just not the first one out of the gate.
What do you think Zook said to the team after they arrived back on Campus? Can the O-Line improve? Hopefully Petrino can earn his coin and get the offence going.
Marcus
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:09 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Marcus,
I think he told the team not to get down about the loss. And I think he told them to stick together.
The offensive line will look a lot better Saturday against Southern Illinois. And it will have until the Ohio State game to make the improvements needed to compete in the Big Ten.
The offense will look better this week. In hindsight, I'm sure Paul Petrino would have done some things differently. Like the players, he is learning.
Steven from Kansas City, MO — 01:09 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Bob - Coach Petrino said throughout camp that the offensive game plan wouldn't be conservative simply because we'd have an inexperienced QB under center. That said, it seemed as if very little changed throughout the game. Yes, they'd operated well in the first half, but surely some changes from the MU defense were anticipated, and I was disappointed to see us continue to seemingly run the same offensive strategy at it after halftime. Is this a case of us getting badly out-coached coming back out of the locker room, perhaps with our staff being reluctant to tinker with a plan that had worked for the first 30 minutes?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:12 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Steven,
I wish we were in the locker room at halftime to know what was said between the coaches. Maybe it was decided that running stuff that had worked in the first half was the way to go.
I've heard a lot of people say they wish Petrino had called some gadget plays. But do you do that against a good defense in the first game with a new starting quarterback? Probably not.
Ultimately, Petrino wants to do enough with the offense to win the game. In his mind that might have meant a more conservative approach. It didn't work, but a play here or there and it might have. I don't think Petrino cares at all about style points. Only wins. To me, that's a good thing.
I think the game plan will be very basic against Southern Illinois. I'm guessing a whole bunch of Mikel Leshoure. And it should work.
Dr. Phil from Orland Park, IL — 01:13 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Bob, my son and I were waiting for you at Big Daddy's after the game. We would have bought you a Schafly's.
Defense looked better than the the last two years. Even with Buchanon out, how can it specifically improve?
I was somewhat disappointed in Nathan's play, but his receivers did not help him. Do you know how many drops they had? Jenkins had at least two and so did McGee. Too bad Nathan did not have Benn around.
Finally, what areas will you be watching on Saturday to see any improvements? Thanks again for your honesty in writing about the Illini.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:14 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Dr. Phil,
Sorry about Saturday, I went home as soon as I left the press box.
The secondary should get better as the young guys figure out what they are doing. That would be a big area of improvement.
I didn't count the drops, but there were a handful. And you're right, Benn would have helped.
I think you've got to watch the offensive line Saturday to see if it can do a better job in both pass protection and with the run. There are major questions there.
Tank from Chicago, IL — 01:15 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Love your articles and chats (without any grumpy responses). I am someone who tries to remember "Good Juice" as much as possible, but the poor accuracy and inconsistency by Scheelhaase on Saturday brought back way too many nightmarish memories of
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:17 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Tank,
I think it was a first-time starter struggling like you think he might. And he had some good moments.
I don't know if you saw the list of first-time starters we ran, but of the 16 in the last 20 years, only four won their openers. Nathan makes it four out of 17. And many of them threw the ball poorly and had turnover issues. And many of these were guys who had later success.
I think you have to give him more than one game. Are there areas of concern with Nathan? Of course. But that would be the case with any quarterback.
Robert from Louisville, ky — 01:17 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
I was at the game and thought our two reserve def backs and safety played well for their first college game on defense. My question to you is, Do you think the turning point of the game was the first series in the second half going three and out?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:18 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Robert,
I agree with you about the newcomers in the secondary. They did very well considering the circumstances.
Though the team had a chance to tie the game late, I agree that the start of the second half was critical. Score a touchdown there and Illinois puts Missouri in panic mode. Instead, the Missouri defense got fired up, which helped the offense.
Danny from Birmingham, MI — 01:19 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Bob:
Does the Big Ten Network dictate the starting times for the non-conference games? The evening starts in September seem ideal. And, how much input does the University have in starting times? Was it the University's or BTN's decision on the SIU starting time?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:20 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Danny,
Great question. The best way to put it is that the conference talks with all of its television partners about starting times. There are certain windows (11 a.m., 2:30 p.m.) that have to be filled each week. I believe Illinois wanted a night game for the home opener, which has been a recent trend. And the Big Ten Network liked it.
van from indianapolis, in — 01:20 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
why didnt eddie get some tries on a wildcat play throwing the ball?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:22 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Van,
I think the coaches were reluctant to throw one more variable into the game. And they wanted to keep Nathan in some kind of flow. If you take him out for a series, it might have thrown him off.
I do think you will see it later. Maybe even this week.
Jimmy from Champaign, Il — 01:22 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
How long before each game does the team walk to the stadium so everyone can see? Is it called the Memorial walk?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:23 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Jimmy,
It is called the Illini Walk and I believe it's about two hours before the game. The players get dropped off on Irwin Drive (between the ARC and the stadium) and make the way to their locker room. There's usually a pretty good crowd gathered.
Robert '67 from Englewood, Fl — 01:23 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
I think Tate mentioned recently in article that the Assembly Hall cannot be demolished; why not?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:24 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Robert'67,
It's got historical significance because of the way it was built. Plus, it is structurally sound to a very high level.
I've always thought it made sense to build a new building, but I don't think that's going to happen.
David from Sycamore, IL — 01:25 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
With yet another off-the-field incident (Buchanan), do these events increase the pressure on Zook or does that not factor into his evaluation? I feel like his program has becoming a runaway train with the on-field product and the off-field conduct, both of which are embarrassing.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:27 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
David,
I don't think this particular incident will have an impact on Zook's future. College kids drink and sometimes drive. Is it dumb? Of course. But it's going to happen. I think you can hold the coach responsible to a point. But when Zook tells the players at the end of the night to stay out of trouble, I think he has done what he can.
The coaches will make an example of Buchanan. I don't think you will see him anytime soon. And I'm guessing the rest of the players stay out of trouble this season.
Joe from Chicago, IL — 01:27 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
What is the story with Buchanan? How bad do you think the punishment will be?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:28 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Joe,
He made a mistake. One I'm sure will cost him plenty. And I think he will be gone from the team for a while. I don't think this is an automatic two-week suspension. If that was the case, Ron Zook would have already announced it.
BW from Tyngsboro, MA — 01:28 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Bob: Thanks again for these chats. You do a good job.
I didn't get to watch the game, but listening to our announcers it seems they tip toed around Nate's arm strength.
How weak is his arm? Can he make the throws necessary to be an effective QB?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
BW,
That's the big question. He certainly doesn't have a cannon. But maybe in this offense he won't need one.
Kurt Kittner can best evaluate him. I'd be curious about his take on it.
I think it's too early to make the call on Nathan. I think he will also improve his throwing as he gets older.
Doug from Libertyville, IL — 01:30 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Hello Bob,
So Zook can't keep his players under control and he can't win football games. What can he do?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:34 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Doug,
I think he gets more of the blame for the stuff on the field than off of it. And generally I think that's the way it should be.
You can't be with the players all of the time and make sure they are doing things the right way. It simply isn't possible. Plus, it would probably violate the 20-hour rule.
Here's where I think one rule needs to be changed: Let the head coaches on the road more. If you are going to hold them accountable for the players, let them have more time to get to know them befor e they are recruited.
Of course, even that wouldn't always help. Nobody would have expected any trouble from Walt Aikens or Michael Buchanan. Stuff happens.
Jimmy from Ivesdale Tavern, IL — 01:35 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Who should be fired first?
Loren Tate
Ron Zook
Lovie Smith
Bruce Weber
Ron Gunether
I think all of them, but want to know your thoughts!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:37 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Jimmy,
Let's go with Lovie first. You do the rest. And Loren isn't on my firing list. Bruce Weber isn't going anywhere. Neither is Ron Guenther, unless he wants to.
So, by default, Ron Zook would be next. But I'm not suggesting for a second that he should be fired. You've got to let the season play out.
Why? Let's say the team plays a great game and upsets Ohio State again. Would you want Ron Zook fired then? Of course not. Patience is something all fans need in bunches.
Billy from Somewhere, Iowa — 01:37 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Another week, another arrest. Didn't Zook assign some players last year who were charged with keeping the others out of the taverns?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:39 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Billy,
We don't have the details. But from what I understand, Michael wasn't at a tavern, so that wouldn't have helped.
It all falls on the players themselves. You can't assign "team police." That would just make everybody angry. Now, if a player or two wanted to go around and suggest guys stay out of trouble that would be a good thing.
Digger from Bement, IL — 01:39 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
What is the reason why people think we are going to be good or start to get better? We are a bad football school and thats not changing anytime soon. Don't know if firing Zook is the answer let these assitants prove what they can do over next two season don't you agree? Honeslty who would we get and why would they want to come to U of I and coach here? I would rather be an assistant in SEC than head coach here.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:40 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Digger,
I promise that there are coaches out there who covet the Illinois football job. They see this as a place where you've got a lot in place and can win at a consistent level. It's hard for me to explain why isn't happened to this point. When I first got to Champaign, John Mackovic was the coach and the team was winning every year.
Eric from Dover, Delaware — 01:41 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Why aren't they using the secondary players for these injured/suspended players? It seems like we are so thin they should be utilizing the players in the positions instead of moving offensive players to defense and vice versa this is crazy to me whats your take on it?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:41 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Eric,
It's pretty simple: It tells me the coaches weren't satisfied with the work of the backups at those positions. The answer to them was to bring over athletes from the offense and get them ready in a hurry. Which they did.
Dan from Chambana, IL — 01:42 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Bob, Can you ask Ron Guenther what he considers to be 'going in the right direction'? Have we fallen so far that winning 4-5 games is the 'right direction'?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:42 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Dan,
Competitive is the word he'll use more than anything. And I think he will consider the 10-point loss to Missouri being competitive. He didn't say four or five wins. I think he might be wanting a bowl bid.
Illini1973 from Belleville, ILL...ini — 01:42 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
(Not can, I know the answer to that)Will SIU be our Appalachian State? And if it is, then what about the HC?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:43 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Illini1973,
I don't see Illinois losing to Southern Illinois. If it does lose, then the head coach is in serious trouble. But, again, I think Illinois wins Saturday. Probably by a decent margin.
John from Mattoon, Il — 01:43 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
I saw that Brit Miller got cut by the niners Saturday. Did he get signed by the practice squad again or is he done with the NFL for now.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:45 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
John,
I just checked and it doesn't appear that he's been picked up yet. But I'm guessing he will be.
GroundHogDay from Pullman, WA — 01:45 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
The coaching performance of Zook, Petrino and Koenning was positively atrocious the second half against Missouri. I have seen enough to know they are second-rate coaches. If their inept performance continues in subsequent games what is the likelihood we see them get fired this year?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:46 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
GroundHog,
I like "positively atrocious."
If Illinois doesn't win 4-5 games and play competitively in the others, there will be a change. But I think the first game was competitive.
Mike from Schaumburg, IL — 01:46 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Will the new U of I President be at the game on Saturday? I hope he can see first hand that this program is definitely not going in the right direction.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:47 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Mike,
I have to think President Hogan will be at the game. It sounds like he's a big sports fan.
Brian from Urbana, IL — 01:47 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Who plays Bandit now? Bussey?
I know you mentioned Nurse, but do we have enough depth on the line to move him?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:47 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Brian,
Ron Zook said today it will be Clay Nurse at Bandit, with Whitney Mercilus moving to starting defensive end. The end position is getting very thin.
Charley from Bellingham, WA — 01:48 PM on Tue, 09/07/2010
Bob -
What can we learn about Boise State in its win against Virginia Tech?
Welcome back to another chat. Sorry about being a couple of minutes late, but I had to wolf down some Taco Bell. Sportswriters eat healthy.
A ton of questions in the hopper, so let's get to it.
Did you read Loren's chat yesterday? The vitriol against him by same "fans" is frightening. Thoughts? Sure, we all are entitled to strongly held views, and vigorous debate is a good idea. I know Loren has a thick skin, but the personal attacks on him were out of line. Thoughts?
Does not live,
Of course, I'm going to defend Loren. He's a 78-year-old who works harder than people half his age. And you're right, he does have a thick skin.
For some reason, people want to pick on Loren, which is their right. He's a big boy. He can take it. But I do wish it was a bit friendlier.
Loren could skip the questions. But he chooses to answer them. That's another reason to admire him.
Bob, Thanks for all your work, Tremendous!
I thought the Illini were respectable Saturday. Defense was improved and made several good stands. Special Teams were solid. Offense struggled, we will have to get some sort of passing game going to loosen up the line so other teams dont put 8 & 9 in the box.
I was extremely impressed that we did not fold like in past years. So glad MO is off the schedule, would be an ok game later in the year just not the first one out of the gate.
What do you think Zook said to the team after they arrived back on Campus? Can the O-Line improve? Hopefully Petrino can earn his coin and get the offence going.
Marcus
Marcus,
I think he told the team not to get down about the loss. And I think he told them to stick together.
The offensive line will look a lot better Saturday against Southern Illinois. And it will have until the Ohio State game to make the improvements needed to compete in the Big Ten.
The offense will look better this week. In hindsight, I'm sure Paul Petrino would have done some things differently. Like the players, he is learning.
Bob - Coach Petrino said throughout camp that the offensive game plan wouldn't be conservative simply because we'd have an inexperienced QB under center. That said, it seemed as if very little changed throughout the game. Yes, they'd operated well in the first half, but surely some changes from the MU defense were anticipated, and I was disappointed to see us continue to seemingly run the same offensive strategy at it after halftime. Is this a case of us getting badly out-coached coming back out of the locker room, perhaps with our staff being reluctant to tinker with a plan that had worked for the first 30 minutes?
Steven,
I wish we were in the locker room at halftime to know what was said between the coaches. Maybe it was decided that running stuff that had worked in the first half was the way to go.
I've heard a lot of people say they wish Petrino had called some gadget plays. But do you do that against a good defense in the first game with a new starting quarterback? Probably not.
Ultimately, Petrino wants to do enough with the offense to win the game. In his mind that might have meant a more conservative approach. It didn't work, but a play here or there and it might have. I don't think Petrino cares at all about style points. Only wins. To me, that's a good thing.
I think the game plan will be very basic against Southern Illinois. I'm guessing a whole bunch of Mikel Leshoure. And it should work.
Bob, my son and I were waiting for you at Big Daddy's after the game. We would have bought you a Schafly's.
Defense looked better than the the last two years. Even with Buchanon out, how can it specifically improve?
I was somewhat disappointed in Nathan's play, but his receivers did not help him. Do you know how many drops they had? Jenkins had at least two and so did McGee. Too bad Nathan did not have Benn around.
Finally, what areas will you be watching on Saturday to see any improvements? Thanks again for your honesty in writing about the Illini.
Dr. Phil,
Sorry about Saturday, I went home as soon as I left the press box.
The secondary should get better as the young guys figure out what they are doing. That would be a big area of improvement.
I didn't count the drops, but there were a handful. And you're right, Benn would have helped.
I think you've got to watch the offensive line Saturday to see if it can do a better job in both pass protection and with the run. There are major questions there.
Love your articles and chats (without any grumpy responses). I am someone who tries to remember "Good Juice" as much as possible, but the poor accuracy and inconsistency by Scheelhaase on Saturday brought back way too many nightmarish memories of
Tank,
I think it was a first-time starter struggling like you think he might. And he had some good moments.
I don't know if you saw the list of first-time starters we ran, but of the 16 in the last 20 years, only four won their openers. Nathan makes it four out of 17. And many of them threw the ball poorly and had turnover issues. And many of these were guys who had later success.
I think you have to give him more than one game. Are there areas of concern with Nathan? Of course. But that would be the case with any quarterback.
I was at the game and thought our two reserve def backs and safety played well for their first college game on defense. My question to you is, Do you think the turning point of the game was the first series in the second half going three and out?
Robert,
I agree with you about the newcomers in the secondary. They did very well considering the circumstances.
Though the team had a chance to tie the game late, I agree that the start of the second half was critical. Score a touchdown there and Illinois puts Missouri in panic mode. Instead, the Missouri defense got fired up, which helped the offense.
Bob:
Does the Big Ten Network dictate the starting times for the non-conference games? The evening starts in September seem ideal. And, how much input does the University have in starting times? Was it the University's or BTN's decision on the SIU starting time?
Danny,
Great question. The best way to put it is that the conference talks with all of its television partners about starting times. There are certain windows (11 a.m., 2:30 p.m.) that have to be filled each week. I believe Illinois wanted a night game for the home opener, which has been a recent trend. And the Big Ten Network liked it.
why didnt eddie get some tries on a wildcat play throwing the ball?
Van,
I think the coaches were reluctant to throw one more variable into the game. And they wanted to keep Nathan in some kind of flow. If you take him out for a series, it might have thrown him off.
I do think you will see it later. Maybe even this week.
How long before each game does the team walk to the stadium so everyone can see? Is it called the Memorial walk?
Jimmy,
It is called the Illini Walk and I believe it's about two hours before the game. The players get dropped off on Irwin Drive (between the ARC and the stadium) and make the way to their locker room. There's usually a pretty good crowd gathered.
I think Tate mentioned recently in article that the Assembly Hall cannot be demolished; why not?
Robert'67,
It's got historical significance because of the way it was built. Plus, it is structurally sound to a very high level.
I've always thought it made sense to build a new building, but I don't think that's going to happen.
With yet another off-the-field incident (Buchanan), do these events increase the pressure on Zook or does that not factor into his evaluation? I feel like his program has becoming a runaway train with the on-field product and the off-field conduct, both of which are embarrassing.
David,
I don't think this particular incident will have an impact on Zook's future. College kids drink and sometimes drive. Is it dumb? Of course. But it's going to happen. I think you can hold the coach responsible to a point. But when Zook tells the players at the end of the night to stay out of trouble, I think he has done what he can.
The coaches will make an example of Buchanan. I don't think you will see him anytime soon. And I'm guessing the rest of the players stay out of trouble this season.
What is the story with Buchanan? How bad do you think the punishment will be?
Joe,
He made a mistake. One I'm sure will cost him plenty. And I think he will be gone from the team for a while. I don't think this is an automatic two-week suspension. If that was the case, Ron Zook would have already announced it.
Bob: Thanks again for these chats. You do a good job.
I didn't get to watch the game, but listening to our announcers it seems they tip toed around Nate's arm strength.
How weak is his arm? Can he make the throws necessary to be an effective QB?
BW,
That's the big question. He certainly doesn't have a cannon. But maybe in this offense he won't need one.
Kurt Kittner can best evaluate him. I'd be curious about his take on it.
I think it's too early to make the call on Nathan. I think he will also improve his throwing as he gets older.
Hello Bob,
So Zook can't keep his players under control and he can't win football games. What can he do?
Doug,
I think he gets more of the blame for the stuff on the field than off of it. And generally I think that's the way it should be.
You can't be with the players all of the time and make sure they are doing things the right way. It simply isn't possible. Plus, it would probably violate the 20-hour rule.
Here's where I think one rule needs to be changed: Let the head coaches on the road more. If you are going to hold them accountable for the players, let them have more time to get to know them befor e they are recruited.
Of course, even that wouldn't always help. Nobody would have expected any trouble from Walt Aikens or Michael Buchanan. Stuff happens.
Who should be fired first?
Loren Tate
Ron Zook
Lovie Smith
Bruce Weber
Ron Gunether
I think all of them, but want to know your thoughts!
Jimmy,
Let's go with Lovie first. You do the rest. And Loren isn't on my firing list. Bruce Weber isn't going anywhere. Neither is Ron Guenther, unless he wants to.
So, by default, Ron Zook would be next. But I'm not suggesting for a second that he should be fired. You've got to let the season play out.
Why? Let's say the team plays a great game and upsets Ohio State again. Would you want Ron Zook fired then? Of course not. Patience is something all fans need in bunches.
Another week, another arrest. Didn't Zook assign some players last year who were charged with keeping the others out of the taverns?
Billy,
We don't have the details. But from what I understand, Michael wasn't at a tavern, so that wouldn't have helped.
It all falls on the players themselves. You can't assign "team police." That would just make everybody angry. Now, if a player or two wanted to go around and suggest guys stay out of trouble that would be a good thing.
What is the reason why people think we are going to be good or start to get better? We are a bad football school and thats not changing anytime soon. Don't know if firing Zook is the answer let these assitants prove what they can do over next two season don't you agree? Honeslty who would we get and why would they want to come to U of I and coach here? I would rather be an assistant in SEC than head coach here.
Digger,
I promise that there are coaches out there who covet the Illinois football job. They see this as a place where you've got a lot in place and can win at a consistent level. It's hard for me to explain why isn't happened to this point. When I first got to Champaign, John Mackovic was the coach and the team was winning every year.
Why aren't they using the secondary players for these injured/suspended players? It seems like we are so thin they should be utilizing the players in the positions instead of moving offensive players to defense and vice versa this is crazy to me whats your take on it?
Eric,
It's pretty simple: It tells me the coaches weren't satisfied with the work of the backups at those positions. The answer to them was to bring over athletes from the offense and get them ready in a hurry. Which they did.
Bob, Can you ask Ron Guenther what he considers to be 'going in the right direction'? Have we fallen so far that winning 4-5 games is the 'right direction'?
Dan,
Competitive is the word he'll use more than anything. And I think he will consider the 10-point loss to Missouri being competitive. He didn't say four or five wins. I think he might be wanting a bowl bid.
(Not can, I know the answer to that)Will SIU be our Appalachian State? And if it is, then what about the HC?
Illini1973,
I don't see Illinois losing to Southern Illinois. If it does lose, then the head coach is in serious trouble. But, again, I think Illinois wins Saturday. Probably by a decent margin.
I saw that Brit Miller got cut by the niners Saturday. Did he get signed by the practice squad again or is he done with the NFL for now.
John,
I just checked and it doesn't appear that he's been picked up yet. But I'm guessing he will be.
The coaching performance of Zook, Petrino and Koenning was positively atrocious the second half against Missouri. I have seen enough to know they are second-rate coaches. If their inept performance continues in subsequent games what is the likelihood we see them get fired this year?
GroundHog,
I like "positively atrocious."
If Illinois doesn't win 4-5 games and play competitively in the others, there will be a change. But I think the first game was competitive.
Will the new U of I President be at the game on Saturday? I hope he can see first hand that this program is definitely not going in the right direction.
Mike,
I have to think President Hogan will be at the game. It sounds like he's a big sports fan.
Who plays Bandit now? Bussey?
I know you mentioned Nurse, but do we have enough depth on the line to move him?
Brian,
Ron Zook said today it will be Clay Nurse at Bandit, with Whitney Mercilus moving to starting defensive end. The end position is getting very thin.
Bob -
What can we learn about Boise State in its win against Virginia Tech?