Moderator: Welcome back to another chat. Thanks again for all of the great questions.

On Friday from 5 to 5:45 or so, I'm going to do a chat while talking on WDWS during Steve Kelly's show. We tried it one other time and it was fun. If you want to call the radio show and ask a chat question, feel free. We'll make it work out.

Now, off to the questions.

Bill, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Bob, which kicker do you think will handle kickoff duties this year? Also, why was Michael Cklamovski, after handling such duties during the regular season last year, benched in favor of Jason Reda in the Rose Bowl?

Moderator: I think Derek Dimke will handle the kickoffs. He has a strong leg and should be able to put the ball high and deep most times.

From what I understand, the coaches wanted to let Jason Reda handle the kickoffs in the Rose Bowl because of the consistency issue. They were sure what he would give them from kick to kick and weren't positive that Cklamovski would boom them all. I don't think it was brought up by the coaches until the day of the game. The decision might not have come until late.

Illini1973, Belleville, ILL ini: Is RG making plans to install temp seating for setting an all-time attendance record (80K+) when No 1 vs No 2 on Nov 15? Please rank in order of most likely for victory (Missery, Wisky, Fichigan, Penny, Suckeye)

I remember hearing where immediately after the 05 Columbus massacre, Zook called Juice and said "Two years from now it will be a different game when you're here." How clairvoyant was that?!! I should ask him to pick my lotto numbers.

Moderator: Illini 1973,

Nothing to report on the Nov. 15 game, but I think you might be on to something. No reason they can't add seats at the south end or on the patio areas to the north.

I wasn't able to find any of those teams on the schedule. But in order, I'll say Illinois' most likely wins in order are 1. Penn State. 2. Michigan. 3. Wisconsin. 4. Missouri. 5. Ohio State.

You have a good memory about the 2005 call. I was with Bob Zook, Ron Zook's brother, toward the end of that game and he was talking about the next game at Columbus. In a strange twist, Bob Zook couldn't make it to the 2007 game because of his job.

troy kester, danville, illinois: 1.What game has been designated as homecoming this year?

2. I heard that the big ten has decided to make a change in it's scheduling format. Does this mean that they are going to switch to a ten game round robin? Do you think they will ever?

Moderator: Troy Kester,

Illinois has homecoming on Oct. 11 against Minnesota. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.

I haven't heard that the Big Ten is going to change its scheduling format, but it does make some sense. Currently, schools have two permanent opponents. For Illinois, it's Northwestern and Indiana. It's ridiculous to me that Illinois doesn't play Purdue every year. I would like to see the Big Ten designate four permanent opponents for every school. In Illinois' case, it should be Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue and Iowa or Wisconsin.

I don't think you will see the league go to a round-robin schedule. It would cost the conference bowl bids.

Tre, Los Angeles, CA: Considering our 'top three' safeties graduated, is the staff worried about safety play for Mizzou and their passing attack?

Can the two freshmen tailbacks be counted to pick up the blitz?

Any concerns with a 'relatively untested' starting right tackle?

If Mizzou comes out in pure west coast short passing game to neutralize the Illini defensive rush, will the staff have an answer?

Moderator: Tre,

I think with the emergence of Donsay Hardeman, Bo Flowers and Nate Bussey, plus the return of Travon Bellamy, that the coaches are fine with the safeties. The athleticism has actually improved. Don't tell Justin Harrison that.

Both freshman tailbacks have good size and seem to be doing a solid job of blocking. My guess is they won't be asked to do antyhing they can't handle.

Every offensive line has a new spot each year. Having Jon Asamoah at right guard should ease the concerns about the line.

I think Missouri will definitely try to shake up what it does to cause the Illinois line troubles. But it won't change the style of play for the one game. With Chase Daniel at quarterback, the Missouri coaches are going to be confident that he can get rid of the ball ahead of the pressure.

Robert, Chesterfield, MO: Bob-

How about a list of 5 true freshmen that will see the field early and often this fall.

Moderator: Robert,

Derek Dimke. Jason Ford. Mikel Leshoure. Corey Liuget. Hubie Graham. And a bonus sixth pick: Justin Staples.

Jim Pieschel, Rockford, ILLINOIS: Bob:

Remember, Jeff Johnson = Nadia.

As for my question, is money really more important than winning non-conference football games? I just don't like this Illinois/Missourah series at all. A friend of mine said it best, "We own them in basketball, they own us in football."

Our 'esteemed' AD has consistently booked the non-conference schedule with difficult games over his tenure. For $1 million, Illinois is virtually guaranteed a loss in 9 days. Again, is it worth it, when you also have to factor the stupid scheduling of Western Michigan up in Detroit, right at the height of the Big 10 season.

Moderator: Jim,

It's funny that you ask that question. I was at a press session with Ron Guenther an hour ago and the question about both the Western Michigan game and the Missouri series came up. Part of his response on Western Michigan is on IlliniHQ.com.

Guenther said in a perfect world he would like two games against BCS schools and two games against non-BCS schools. He also wants seven home games, which he admits will be hard to do with the Missouri series as it is right now. He will talk with the Missouri folks next week about the future of the series. My guess based on the way he talked about it is that it will continue, but probably not in St. Louis. Probably home and home starting in 2011. That will mean another home and home series with a nother BCS school. It doesn't have to be a tough team, but it might be. I know that Arizona State is on the schedule in the future.

I don't think Guenther views the Missouri game as a sure loss. I don't think he would schedule his football team for anything he considered a sure loss. But that $1 million is difficult to turn down, especially with where the program was when the deal was made.

Do I think Illinois should play two BCS schools every year? It depends on what two teams you're talking about. From a coach's standpoint, the Big Ten is hard enough. They would like to have four nonconference home games against weak teams, but know that isn't possible.

Mike, Vernon Hills, Illinois: Hi Bob,

I need you to look into your crystal ball. At the end of the year, which player will be the unsung hero of this team? Who is going to do all the dirty work with little to no accolades or media attention?

Moderator: Mike,

That's easy: David Lindquist. The former walk-on quietly goes about his business. He doesn't look for attention. He just occupies people.

David, NYC, NY: Which players have been the watched the most by NFL scouts? Is Vontae Davis still a top 5 prospect? Where is Xavier Fulton expected to next year?

Moderator: David,

The scouts are looking at Fulton, Will Davis and Derek Walker to start. They won't help but notice Arrelious Benn, Martez Wilson and others.

I'm guessing Vontae Davis goes in the top 10 of next year's draft and he could be in the top three.

James, Morrisonville, Illinois: Has Juice Williams mentioned anything about his time spent with Donovan McNabb over the summer?

Moderator: James,

Juice talks about McNabb sometimes, but he hasn't mentioned anything about this summer. I'll ask him about it when I see him after today's practice.

David, New York, New York: What are the realistic chances of picking up Jelani Jenkins (Rivals 5 star) and Justin Green (OSU commit but still visiting)?

Moderator: David,

When it comes to Illinois recruiting, I don't think you can count the coaches out with anybody.

I have heard rumors about Justin Green, who is a star at Louisville Male. He apparently likes the Illinois coaches and wants to reopen his recruiting. If that happens, my guess is he'll pick Illinois. Rarely do you see the guy who opens his recruiting go back to the original school, though it can happen.

Butch Price, Tuscola, IL: Bob,

Will any of the Freshman (like Pocic) make that starting linep on August 30?

Moderator: Butch,

I don't see Graham Pocic in the starting lineup for the opener, but he will have a chance to play this season. As I look at it, Randall Hunt is the sixth man and Pocic is the seventh. The coaches have enough flexibility that they can move guys around to make it work.

Travis, Breese, IL: Bob, what's your impression on Chris Duvalt? From what I saw in the spring game, he looks to be a dynamic receiver that routinely makes the great catch. However, can he consistently make the routine catch?

Moderator: Travis,

Chris Duvalt was really good at Camp Rantoul. He dropped a few, of course, but no more than anybody else. Even Arrelious Benn drops a pass now and then.

He is a great kid off the field, one of my favorites. He is very funny and his teammates really seem to like him. The move to receiver has been a good fit for him.

BW, Tyngsboro, MA: Bob: We've been hearing great things about the potential of the defense. In your opinion, will the defense dominate Missouri?

Moderator: BW,

I don't think any defense will dominate Missouri. But I think the Illinois defense will play better than it did in the 2007 game. And that might be enough to produce a win. I don't think Chase Daniel will have as easy a time throwing the ball in this year's game. And I don't think the offensive line is as good.

Roger, Canton, OH: Does Illinois still plan to use Benn in split backs, behind the QB and other non traditional ways to get him the ball as much as possible like last year?

Moderator: Roger,

I think the coaches will find creative ways to get Benn the ball. Because his shoulder is healthy, Benn will be able to do more than in 2007. You saw the one touchdown catch against Penn State. He is a tough runner. And he likes to block too.

I think he is not only going to make it to the NFL, but has a chance to be a star at the next level.

Moderator: I'm going to have to cut it off for the day. I'll be back Friday at 5 p.m.

One more item for those of you nearby. If you're in town today at 4 p.m., head out to Parkland College. Illinois wrestling coach Mark Johnson is going to have his name engraved in the Olympic tribute. Should be a cool event and is well deserved.