For a look back at the Ohio State game, click here
CHAMPAIGN – Ron Zook didn't announce position changes during his Sunday teleconference. And Zook said he doesn't plan to make any announcements.
"Obviously, we're going to continue to evaluate this thing," Zook said. "If those are some things that we feel like we need to do, then that's what we're going to do. I can assure you of that. I'm not going to sit here status quo.
"I'm not going to discuss any changes with any position right now. I don't think you make hasty decisions. If you do make a decision with a position, you go with it."
Illinois quarterback Juice Williams struggled in Saturday's 30-0 loss to Ohio State, throwing two interceptions and completing 13 of 25 passes for 77 yards. It was the first time the Illini had been shut out with Williams as the starting quarterback.
"It's not all Juice," Zook said. "We've been on this tape now for about eight hours. It's one here. It's one there. He's off because the route's too deep. He's off because the receiver doesn't run tight. He doesn't throw a good ball. All of those things, it's accumulation.
"What happens when the expectations are where they are, everybody wants results as we do also. That's our job as a coaching staff. We've got to get it fixed and we've got to get it fixed quick."
Zook said he doesn't think the offensive coordinator change from Mike Locksley to Mike Schultz has been an issue for Williams.
"I don't know that it would be a lot different had Locks not left," Zook said.
Getting together.
Zook said many of his players watched the tape of the Ohio State game after returning to Champaign on Saturday night.
"They're saying the right things and doing the right things," Zook said. "They're as frustrated as we are. We have to coach. They have to play. And we've got to get everybody on the same page and playing the way we're capable of playing."
Zook said the players' attitude for the Ohio State game was different than for the earlier 37-9 loss to Missouri in St. Louis.
"There was no enthusiasm (in St. Louis)," Zook said. "(On Saturday) our guys came out of the tunnel ready to play. That was the one thing we didn't do coming out of the Missouri game. The energy was there. The excitement was there. The execution wasn't there. So, half of the problem was fixed. Now we've got to get the other half fixed."
How do you fix the problems?
"No. 1, you've got to go back and evaluate what the problems are," Zook said. "Whether it be a missed tackle. Whether it be a missed assignment. If this thing keeps popping up, you've got to either change what you're doing or change the person doing it."
Zook said he didn't expect the early problems the Illini have had, losing two games by a combined 67-9.
"I've been in the game long enough to know that it can happen to anybody and everybody," Zook said.
Looking ahead.
Zook saw part of the second half of Iowa's 21-10 win against Penn State on Saturday.
"Obviously, they're a good football team," Zook said about Penn State. "They got beat by a good football team. They're going to come in here with the same attitude we have and that's that we both have to win. No one wants to go down two in the Big Ten."
Aches, pains.
Zook said the team came out of the Ohio State game with no new injuries.
"We had bumps and bruises, but nothing serious," Zook said.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry with his comments. I don't know why they have to watch the film over and over. It only takes the average fan and other team one take of our film to see what the problems are.
Posted by on September 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM | Suggest Removal
Zook: "(On Saturday) our guys came out of the tunnel ready to play. That was the one thing we didn't do coming out of the Missouri game. The energy was there. The excitement was there. The execution wasn't there. So, half of the problem was fixed. Now we've got to get the other half fixed."
IS this guy on crack?
What game was he watching?
If he really believes this, it really is time to fire him.
Posted by on September 27, 2009 at 6:23 PM | Suggest Removal
By excitement and energy being there at the start of the game, Zook is referring to Illini's willingness to get into a fight with the Buckeyes before the game started.
This team is trying to be like the old Miami Hurricanes teams. They pride themselves on unsportsmanlike penalties during a game. Zook is allright with that kind of behavior. In fact he must encourage it.
Posted by dave1956 on September 27, 2009 at 7:51 PM | Suggest Removal
The above comments by the readers are unfounded and stupid!
Posted by on September 27, 2009 at 9:24 PM | Suggest Removal
Changing the quarterback's not the solution. Juice will be fine just be patient till next week.
Posted by on September 28, 2009 at 12:54 AM | Suggest Removal
To kfj,
"The above comments by the readers are unfounded and stupid!" Unfounded? Do you not watch the games? Here is an idea, how about leaving your closet once and awhile and actually watch the football game.
Posted by on September 28, 2009 at 7:02 AM | Suggest Removal
Zook has not shown leadership to fans and the team. He is friends with the players and that's it. He is confused and so are a 1-2 fans looking for patience and support for Zook. We need leadership.
Posted by on September 28, 2009 at 7:15 AM | Suggest Removal
I sure am glad that Coach Zook is ready and willing to correct the team's mistakes (again). I wonder if the result will be any different than the last time he tried to make such corrections? (!)
Posted by on September 28, 2009 at 7:53 PM | Suggest Removal
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