Bob's Friday afternoon chat

After two weeks of Camp Rantoul, the team goes into its final scrimmage Saturday with these three questions still needing an answer, courtesy beat writer Bob Asmussen:

1. Who is the backup quarterback?

Is it Chandler Whitmer, a freshman who started school a semester early? He has had plenty of bright moments at Camp Rantoul but wasn't happy with his performance at the first scrimmage. Miles Osei has the physical skills but is still very inexperienced with the offense. And there's also Eddie McGee, who is getting the bulk of his time at receiver but remains an option.

2. Who is the starting guard opposite Randall Hunt?

It looked like a no-brainer for Hugh Thornton, who moved over after starting seven games at tackle last season. But Jack Cornell finally is showing the game that made him a highly regarded high school prospect at Quincy Notre Dame. He's even played through a rolled ankle suffered at the scrimmage at Rantoul High School.

3. Are there enough playmakers on defense?

After the first scrimmage, defensive coordinator Vic Koenning would tell you "no." Probably with a clever adjective or two in front of the word. After looking at it on tape, the coaches saw correctable errors. Illinois needs to play more than solid defense in the opener against Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, who picks apart secondaries when given enough time. Without a handful of guys going beyond average, the Illini will be in deep trouble against the Tigers.