There is a 4-way log jam at the top of the Big Ten. Who is the best team?
Alex: Even after tanking against Iowa, Michigan State has a chance to slip into the Rose Bowl. Iowa/Ohio State is the toughest game any of these teams have to face, with Michigan State/Penn State a close second. If Michigan State were to blow the game Wisconsin is Pasadena bound. However to answer the question I still feel Iowa is the best team in the Big 10 in the slimmest of margins over Wisconsin.
J Martin: My instinct is to say Ohio State is still the "best" team by virtue of having the most talent of anybody in the conference. However, they lost convincingly to by far the best team they've played and haven't been challenged otherwise, so I feel like I don't really know this team as well as the others. Conversely, there's a fair amount of empirical evidence supporting Wisconsin as the best of the bunch. They thumped OSU at home, then went on the road and edged out Iowa on the road in consecutive weeks. That's awfully impressive.
Kevin: I've got Wisconsin. They lost to Michigan State but since then they have beat Ohio State and Iowa. Ohio State hasn't beaten anybody and Iowa has 2 losses. If Iowa routes Ohio State I might be persuaded to change my opinion.
Ross: TBD until after the Iowa-Ohio State game, but right now it's either Iowa or Wisconsin. Wisconsin went 2-1 against the other three teams, losing fairly badly to MSU but getting an impressive win over OSU and winning a squeaker over Iowa. Iowa has the most impressive win of the lot with their 37-6 beatdown of MSU, but they also lost that game to Wisconsin. Gun to my head right now I'd probably say Wisconsin by a hair.
RichRod is 6-3 and Ron Zook is 5-4. Will they be retained or shown the door?
Alex: I do not feel as if either coach should be shown the door. They have beaten the teams they should have, and lost to the upper echelon of the Big 10. I have never felt that either team was ready to break out of the middle tier. Illinois can still be an 8-win team as it has a better defense and no offensive juggernauts left in the schedule. Giving Michigan 65 points was just an anomaly, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Fresno State will not touch that figure. Michigan is looking at a 7 or 8 win season. Wisconsin is a loss, Purdue is a win and Ohio State is an unknown. Michigan is tired of getting beaten on by the Buckeyes and they might just make a big splash in the Ohio State pond, which would lock RichRod in for another season.
J Martin: I think both of those guys are going to stick around. Rodriguez probably needs to beat Purdue this weekend just to be sure, but he's at least done the minimum amount necessary to keep his job. Plus, he's got Denard coming back, and he can sell his ability to maximize his talents as opposed to starting over with a new coach and a new offensive philosophy. Zook isn't quite there yet, but I feel pretty good about his odds of beating Minnesota and maybe even going out west and beating Fresno. They should probably just make Paul Petrino head coach, though.
Kevin: I do think they both deserve a chance to come back and build on what they have accomplished so far this year (barring a complete collapse at the end of the year).
Ross: Both will be retained. Rodriguez should win at least seven games this regular season (they ought to beat Purdue this week) and they could certainly win a bowl game for an 8th total win, depending on the match-up. It's also not completely unreasonable that they could pull off an upset of Wisconsin or Ohio State, given their incredibly explosive offense. Either way, 7-8 wins and one of the nation's best offenses should get Rodriguez another year -- provided he agrees to make some changes on defense. Zook will be retained with a few more wins -- which seems like with three more games against Minnesota, Northwestern, and Fresno State. With a bowl game, they could win nine games, which would be remarkable. As it is, a 7-5 regular season seems like a good bet -- and that's good progress after the last two disastrous seasons.
Who is the Player of the Year in the Big 10 so far?
Alex: Denard Robinson from Michigan. This will change by years end but he got Michigan off to a rocketing start which may well help Rich stay in Ann Arbor. Robinson is currently 1st in Rushing, 2nd in Total Offense, 6th in Passing and 7th in scoring. There is not one Big 10 player that can boast such numbers. The fact that he is out with an injury is what will cost him this title by years end, but there is no way to deny him the pole position as we stand in early November.
J Martin: Denard, of course. He's very impressive for a guy who's probably only logged about 6 games worth of field time.
Kevin: From a statistics stand point Denard looks very good but I have a problem picking a "Player of the Year" from a team that is 2-3 in the conference. So it's John Clay of Wisconsin. Leads the league in rushing TDs and is 2nd to only Denard in yards rushing.
Ross: It's Denard Robinson and it's not even close -- 118/186, 1814 passing yards, 13/7 TD/INT, 183 carries, 1349 rushing yards, 12 TD. And he did that despite missing time in every game this season because of injury. He's been simply sensational and the leading reason why Michigan's offense has gone from "good" to "amazing."
Where does Nebraska fit in next year? Will they be the pre-season favorite to win the Big 10?
Alex: Nebraska is going to be a middle of the pack team. I would say 4th at very best but probably around 6th. The Big 12 is not as defensive minded as the Big 10, and Nebraska is not as good now as many think they are. If they get better a solid fourth is in the future, but if they get worse a battle with Michigan or Illinois for 5th and 6th place could be in store for the Huskers. Also note that many of these transitions do not go as planned. The ACC brought Miami, BC, and Virginia Tech into the fold and the one that they WANTED to contend for the title (Miami) did not. VT and BC have had very good success since the transition. In the SEC Arkansas and South Carolina were brought in before the 92 season and neither has won a conference championship. This is not Nebraska walking into an inferior conference, and the Huskers best remember that.
J Martin: They'll be one of the two most talented teams in the conference the moment they set foot through the door. Whether they'll be the favorite to win the conference depends on if Pryor comes back to play his senior year at Ohio State. The Buckeyes with a superstar QB will always get the benefit of a doubt. But Taylor Martinez and that Pelini defense will give them a battle for it, that's for sure.
Kevin: I'm tempted to pick Nebraska first in the Big Ten out of the gate. If Roy Helu Jr wasn't a Jr I probably would. At this point I'm slotting them 2nd or 3rd but they have a legit shot at winning and contending for the Big Ten title next year.
Ross: It's hard to say without knowing exactly what Nebraska returns next year, but based on their play this year, they should be a solid contender -- but not an overwhelming favorite by any means. The schedule -- games against Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Penn State -- will prevent that. They should probably finish in the top five of the league, though.
Who should Minnesota turn to in order to turn their program around?
Alex: You could ask me this for any struggling team in the nation and my first choice will always be Mike Leech. He has done more for the passing game than anyone in the past two or three decades. If he can bring TTech to a nationally recognized level, he can do it for any team. Other choices include Skip Holtz, and Art Briles.
J Martin: There are a lot of positives to the Minnesota job, but the program was run into the ground over the past few years. It now safely qualifies as a "rebuilding job." For this sort of rebuilding job in particular, I'd look for an up-and-coming head coach still looking to make a name for himself a the BCS level that will be willing to really hustle for the program. Someone like Kevin Sumlin from Houston or Al Golden from Temple. Both have already had their names linked and both would be good choices. The last thing you want to do is hire some tired retread head coach or roll the dice on a hotshot assistant with no head coach experience.
Kevin: From an outsiders perspective I see Minnesota as a team that is going to have a really tough time contending for the upper echelon of the Big Ten year in and year out. Because of that I would go the Georgia Tech route. Get Ken Niumatalolo of Navy (23-12). Doing this causes Minnesota to be a difficult game for everybody on their schedule once they get some kids in to run the offense. The Big Ten is having a lot of trouble trying to stop Rich Rod and Michigan just imagine what would happen if you threw in an option type offense for them to have to deal with as well.
Ross: That's tough to answer, since I don't exactly want to see Minnesota improve their fortunes. That said, assuming Minnesota can't get one of the seeming home run hires like Chris Peterson or Gary Patterson or Jim Harbaugh (and they aren't going to get a guy like that), they should focus on a guy who's really hungry to prove himself and who understands the Big Ten well. The last thing they need is a retread like Phil Fulmer or Lou Holtz. Someone like Don Treadwell (the current Michigan State offensive coordinator) might be a good fit.
Showing posts with label Illinois Fighting Illini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois Fighting Illini. Show all posts
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini
2009 Record: 3-9 (2-6 in Big Ten)
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Rated
Head Coach: Ron Zook (21-39 at Illinois; 44-53 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Missouri (9/4), Southern Illinois (9/11), Northern Illinois (9/18), at Fresno State (12/3)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 24.2 points per game (8th in Big Ten)
Rushing Yards/Game: 200 (2nd in Big Ten, 17th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 193 (10th in Big Ten)
Total Yards/Game: 393 (5th in Big Ten)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 30.2 points per game (last in Big Ten 96th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 154 (8th in Big Ten)
Passing Yards/Game: 248 (10th in Big Ten, 100th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 403 (last in Big Ten, 92nd in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.33 per game (8th in Big Ten)
Penalties: 61 yards per game (last in Big Ten, 94th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jacob Charest, Soph (28 of 56 for 382 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT, 95 ypg)
Rushing: RB Mikel LeShoure, Jr (108 carries for 734 yds, 5 TD, 6.8 ypc, 66 ypg)
Receiving: WR Jarred Fayson, Sr (16 rec, 218 yds, 1 TD, 1.6 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Ian Thomas, Jr (95)
Sacks: DE Clay Nurse, Sr (5.5)
Interceptions: 4 tied with 1
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #71
Sporting News: #94
2010 Pre-Season Big Ten Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #9
Phil Steele: #8
There is really no way to sugar coat it, Illinois simply wasn't very good last year. They only won 3 games and one of those was against Illinois State. At first look I would think they catch a break in not having to play Iowa or Wisconsin (two of the best 4 teams in the conference) but they didn't play either of those 2 teams last year either. Ron Zook has made changes in both coordinator positions for this season. He recognizes that his job is on the line and that he needs to get this team to win ball games. Illinois is not that far off from a talent perspective. We turned to Paul M. Banks of TheSportsBank.net to answer our questions about Illinois football.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The running game- that's about the only aspect of the team I'm optimistic about. Especially since 3/5 OL starters are back and RB Mikel LeShoure is the real deal. Jason Ford is a serviceable backup, sometimes. The front seven returns four starters, so there's some hope there. The secondary will be anybody's guess. It's a crap shoot. The passing game could be a mess, it was an absolute train wreck last year, and that was with an experienced QB and WRs. And with everyone EXTREMELY HIGH on the receiving corps entering the season. Maybe it's good we're starting over here, especially with a new off coordinator.
I'm very high on Petrino, maybe he'll improve the passing game from '09.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
Mizzou right off the bat in St. Louis, they've owned us lately and have a 16-7 edge in the all time series.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
My first three years on campus we went 5-28, so I've been conditioned to fear everyone. The Ron Zook era has done little to nothing to alleviate that fear.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Maybe D lineman Cory Liuget. pronounced "legit." Like Hammer "too legit to quit."
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Leading rusher LeShoure- he averaged close to seven yards a carry on the season, and finally seized the starting tailback position all to himself when it was previously a wide open derby, exactly like Rashard Mendenhall did in 07
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
D lineman Clay Nurse who was all conference honorable mention last year. He should find the opponent's backfield early and often this fall.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
That's 100% MLB Martez Wilson. Last summer, we were all talking about how he was moving over to the middle, and how the two guys that preceded him, Brit Miller, and J Leman led the conference in tackles. And it was his turn to finally live up to the huge billing that surrounded him as a recruit. He was right up there with Arrelious Benn and Vontae Davis. A fluke injury cut his 09 short, but now he has another year to step up
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
QB Nathan Scheelhaase. Has to be. Like Al Pacino said in "Any Given Sunday" "it's the top spot kid, you're the guy that has to lead, and take the fall." Here's why I think naming him the starter early is the way to go.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
This answer will change numerous times between now and Camp Rantoul, and change many times again between Camp Rantoul and our inevitable 25+ pt loss on Sept 4th to Missouri.
The popular off-season topic is conference re-alignment and the Big Ten is at the forefront of the discussion. Who would you like to see added to the Big Ten (CFBZ note: This question was prior to Nebraska joining the Big Ten)?
Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Maryland, Syracuse, Cincinnati and UConn. You may be asking why all these teams? Well, I want every conference to do this. Because then and only then will we get closer to that long overdue playoff system. Here's my theory of how that can happen.
Ron Zook has one of the hottest seats right now in college football. What does he need to do to get this team to the next level and keep his job?
Not be college football's answer to Vinny Del Negro. The Zooker has an alphabet that lacks Xs and Os. As bad a coach as he has been, (and nothing short of 8-4 or better this fall will change that perception) his job is somewhat secure because the state is utterly broke and has no money to buy out his contract. As if the Zook contract extension decision wasn't bad enough, the University compounded their mistake by adding another year to his deal. Unless the boosters can somehow legally get a lot of money together, he's here till 2014. Despite the fact that the case for dismissing him is very strong right now.
Vic Koenning was brought in to improve a defense that was last in the Big Ten in points allowed and yards allowed. What is the buzz about him, do the fans think he will be able to get the job done?
In his four at years Clemson, the defense finished in the NCAA Top 25 in scoring, total, and pass efficiency defense each season. He also helped lead Troy’s defense to a No. 1 national ranking in interceptions (25), tied for second in turnovers forced (32), was ninth in fewest yards allowed per play, and finished 16th in total defense (311.0). So there's hope especially since he has 7/11 returning starters on his side of the ball. But then again this is Illinois, so the last thing you ever want to do is have high expectations.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
A bowl berth/bowl win would be nice, as I'm really expecting some 3-9, maybe 4-8 to show up this fall. But 7-5 or better doesn't matter unless you can sustain it. My alma mater hasn't had back to back winning seasons since 91-92. Ron Turner had two fluke years. Zook has had one. This program can't excite anyone until they get 3 or more consecutive postseasons, like they had in the 80s.
Paul M. Banks is the President and CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest focused webzine. He is also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, the Chicago Tribune’s blog network, Walter Football.com, the Washington Times.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com.
Previous Big Ten Previews
Michigan Wolverines,
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Northwestern Wildcats
Purdue Boilermakers
Next Up: Ohio State Buckeyes
2010 Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, New Mexico Lobos, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Rated
Head Coach: Ron Zook (21-39 at Illinois; 44-53 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Missouri (9/4), Southern Illinois (9/11), Northern Illinois (9/18), at Fresno State (12/3)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 24.2 points per game (8th in Big Ten)
Rushing Yards/Game: 200 (2nd in Big Ten, 17th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 193 (10th in Big Ten)
Total Yards/Game: 393 (5th in Big Ten)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 30.2 points per game (last in Big Ten 96th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 154 (8th in Big Ten)
Passing Yards/Game: 248 (10th in Big Ten, 100th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 403 (last in Big Ten, 92nd in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.33 per game (8th in Big Ten)
Penalties: 61 yards per game (last in Big Ten, 94th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jacob Charest, Soph (28 of 56 for 382 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT, 95 ypg)
Rushing: RB Mikel LeShoure, Jr (108 carries for 734 yds, 5 TD, 6.8 ypc, 66 ypg)
Receiving: WR Jarred Fayson, Sr (16 rec, 218 yds, 1 TD, 1.6 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Ian Thomas, Jr (95)
Sacks: DE Clay Nurse, Sr (5.5)
Interceptions: 4 tied with 1
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #71
Sporting News: #94
2010 Pre-Season Big Ten Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #9
Phil Steele: #8
There is really no way to sugar coat it, Illinois simply wasn't very good last year. They only won 3 games and one of those was against Illinois State. At first look I would think they catch a break in not having to play Iowa or Wisconsin (two of the best 4 teams in the conference) but they didn't play either of those 2 teams last year either. Ron Zook has made changes in both coordinator positions for this season. He recognizes that his job is on the line and that he needs to get this team to win ball games. Illinois is not that far off from a talent perspective. We turned to Paul M. Banks of TheSportsBank.net to answer our questions about Illinois football.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The running game- that's about the only aspect of the team I'm optimistic about. Especially since 3/5 OL starters are back and RB Mikel LeShoure is the real deal. Jason Ford is a serviceable backup, sometimes. The front seven returns four starters, so there's some hope there. The secondary will be anybody's guess. It's a crap shoot. The passing game could be a mess, it was an absolute train wreck last year, and that was with an experienced QB and WRs. And with everyone EXTREMELY HIGH on the receiving corps entering the season. Maybe it's good we're starting over here, especially with a new off coordinator.
I'm very high on Petrino, maybe he'll improve the passing game from '09.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
Mizzou right off the bat in St. Louis, they've owned us lately and have a 16-7 edge in the all time series.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
My first three years on campus we went 5-28, so I've been conditioned to fear everyone. The Ron Zook era has done little to nothing to alleviate that fear.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Maybe D lineman Cory Liuget. pronounced "legit." Like Hammer "too legit to quit."
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Leading rusher LeShoure- he averaged close to seven yards a carry on the season, and finally seized the starting tailback position all to himself when it was previously a wide open derby, exactly like Rashard Mendenhall did in 07
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
D lineman Clay Nurse who was all conference honorable mention last year. He should find the opponent's backfield early and often this fall.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
That's 100% MLB Martez Wilson. Last summer, we were all talking about how he was moving over to the middle, and how the two guys that preceded him, Brit Miller, and J Leman led the conference in tackles. And it was his turn to finally live up to the huge billing that surrounded him as a recruit. He was right up there with Arrelious Benn and Vontae Davis. A fluke injury cut his 09 short, but now he has another year to step up
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
QB Nathan Scheelhaase. Has to be. Like Al Pacino said in "Any Given Sunday" "it's the top spot kid, you're the guy that has to lead, and take the fall." Here's why I think naming him the starter early is the way to go.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
This answer will change numerous times between now and Camp Rantoul, and change many times again between Camp Rantoul and our inevitable 25+ pt loss on Sept 4th to Missouri.
The popular off-season topic is conference re-alignment and the Big Ten is at the forefront of the discussion. Who would you like to see added to the Big Ten (CFBZ note: This question was prior to Nebraska joining the Big Ten)?
Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Maryland, Syracuse, Cincinnati and UConn. You may be asking why all these teams? Well, I want every conference to do this. Because then and only then will we get closer to that long overdue playoff system. Here's my theory of how that can happen.
Ron Zook has one of the hottest seats right now in college football. What does he need to do to get this team to the next level and keep his job?
Not be college football's answer to Vinny Del Negro. The Zooker has an alphabet that lacks Xs and Os. As bad a coach as he has been, (and nothing short of 8-4 or better this fall will change that perception) his job is somewhat secure because the state is utterly broke and has no money to buy out his contract. As if the Zook contract extension decision wasn't bad enough, the University compounded their mistake by adding another year to his deal. Unless the boosters can somehow legally get a lot of money together, he's here till 2014. Despite the fact that the case for dismissing him is very strong right now.
Vic Koenning was brought in to improve a defense that was last in the Big Ten in points allowed and yards allowed. What is the buzz about him, do the fans think he will be able to get the job done?
In his four at years Clemson, the defense finished in the NCAA Top 25 in scoring, total, and pass efficiency defense each season. He also helped lead Troy’s defense to a No. 1 national ranking in interceptions (25), tied for second in turnovers forced (32), was ninth in fewest yards allowed per play, and finished 16th in total defense (311.0). So there's hope especially since he has 7/11 returning starters on his side of the ball. But then again this is Illinois, so the last thing you ever want to do is have high expectations.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
A bowl berth/bowl win would be nice, as I'm really expecting some 3-9, maybe 4-8 to show up this fall. But 7-5 or better doesn't matter unless you can sustain it. My alma mater hasn't had back to back winning seasons since 91-92. Ron Turner had two fluke years. Zook has had one. This program can't excite anyone until they get 3 or more consecutive postseasons, like they had in the 80s.
Paul M. Banks is the President and CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest focused webzine. He is also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, the Chicago Tribune’s blog network, Walter Football.com, the Washington Times.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com.
Previous Big Ten Previews
Michigan Wolverines,
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Northwestern Wildcats
Purdue Boilermakers
Next Up: Ohio State Buckeyes
2010 Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, New Mexico Lobos, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
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