Moderator: Welcome back to another chat. There are a bunch of questions already in.

I have a question for you, one I would like you to answer with an email to asmussen@news-gazette.com: Is there a time to do gameday chats that will work best for you during the 2009 season? We tried to do them last year, but I could never find a consistent time. I'm wondering if two hours before kickoff, whenever that might be, would work best. So, 12:30 for the Missouri game, 4 p.m. for Illinois State, etc. Let me know what you think.

R.P. Kraemer, Paris, IL: First off, thanks for doing these chats, and thanks for taking time to answer my question.

I've seen that many people have concerns about the defense and special teams, and rightfully so due to last years performance, but hardly anyone is talking about what I feel was a major issue with the team in nearly every game last year which was clock management. I know there were many times when the Illini were ahead last year that they didn't use the clock well at all and allowed teams that were trailing back in to the game, such as the Iowa game where there were times the ball was snapped with upwards of 20 seconds remaining on the play clock.

Will the new OC have a more hands on approach to clock management instead of allowing the players to fire plays off with blatant disregard for the play clock?

Moderator: R.P.,

You bring up a very good point. One thing I know for sure is that the players don't do anything that the coaches haven't told them to do. So, if Juice Williams starts the play at a certain time, it's because he was instructed to do so.

Ultimately, the buck stops with the head coach. I know Ron Zook will tell the offensive coordinator to speed up or slow down based on the circumstances. The Illini made what could have been a game-changing error against Iowa, giving the Hawkeyes time on the clock after Matt Eller's field gooal. It didn't cost Illinois the game, so it becomes a learning point for the coaches and the players.

I've suggested in the past that all college head coaches, not just Ron Zook, could use a bench coach like Don Zimmer with Joe Torre. The head coaches have so many things to keep track of and they aren't at the best vantage point on the field. Having somebody to bounce ideas off of might be a great idea.

Tom, Urbana, IL: Bob,

do you think not having a "featured" RB is a problem?

I know we have good depth at the position

Moderator: Tom,

Illinois is as deep as it has been at running back in a number of years. Is there a featured back in there? Maybe. I think that will sort itself out.

The good part about having a featured back is the comfort that player brings to the offense. The linemen know which way he is likely to go and the handoffs and pitches from the quarterback become second nature. The problem with having a featured back is what happens if he gets hurt? That's why coaches crave depth at tailback. If you have three or four guys capable of a 100-yard game, you cut your vulnerability. There is also value in being able to change pace with different running backs.

I think Illinois will use four guys at the position, but if somebody gets hot, he will get more carries.

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: Bob, love these chats! I'm in need of a tailgate/parking pass for the Oct. 31 game against Michigan. Any ideas?

Also, how do you think Steve McNair will be remembered? Here's a guy out of little Alcorn State who was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was a half-yard away from leading an upset over the heavily favored Rams in the Super Bowl. He had some off-the-field issues, sure, but I think his talent and success on the field outweighs those problems. What is your take on the legacy of athletes? If a rock star or movie star gets arrested or has affairs or whatever, no one seems to mind (Robert Downey Jr.) Thoughts?

Moderator: J-Ran,

I'll see what I can do about the parking pass. No promises, of course.

I know I had Steve McNair on my Heisman ballot and I might have even listed him No. 1. I thought he was a great oollege and pro player and always admired him.

I think his legacy, especially in Nashville, will be tarnished because of the nature of his death. We'll hear more about the circumstances, which will be painful for the community and his family.

With all of the information out there, we read and hear more about athletes and actors than ever before. Is that good? Probably not. There were awful people in the past who fans idolized because they didn't know better. In this case, I think ignorance is a good thing.

BW, Tyngsboro, MA: Bob:

I think Josh Brent has paid his dues and should not be suspended. However, he should be told he's on a short leash and facing suspension for anymore shenanigans.

What's your opinion?

Moderator: BW,

I agree with you. And I think he will be on a short leash the remainder of his Illinois career. I also expect he will follow the rules.

While I don't condone drinking and driving, I think it's important that we realize that Brent knew he made a mistake and has owned up to it. Not everybody in his situation would be as up front about it.

Someday, hopefully soon, we will get Brent's thoughts on what has happened and what he thinks about his future.

Jimmy, Bloomington, IL: I must have missed something. Did Josh Brent's penalty come out?

Moderator: Jimmy,

You didn't miss anything. Josh Brent was released from jail and that part of his penalties are done.

Ron Zook hasn't acted yet and he will certainly be talking to Ron Guenther and the school officials before making a decision. But reading his mind a little bit, I think he will lean toward having Josh on the field as soon as possible.

Chris, Crete, IL: Bob- Where do you think the Illini fall in the Big 10 talent-wise?

Moderator: Chris,

I'd say in the upper half of the conference. Certainly behind Ohio State and Penn State. You could put the Illini in the next group with Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. I think Illinois is ahead of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota with this year's team. Northwestern, Purdue and Indiana are at the bottom of the league.

Jered Cook, Warrensburg, Illinois: Bob, Who do you think will make the biggest splash this fall out of the incoming freshman and out of the players that didn't play too much last season?

To me Ian Thomas and Sanni will make a splash.

Moderator: Jered,

Thomas and Sanni are two good choices. I'll be very, very surprised if Terry Hawthorne and Justin Green don't get a bunch of playing time, on offense and on special teams. I think Michael Buchanan will play early. And Eric Watts should get a chance at linebacker and on special teams.

Illinois has a good class with versatile athletes.

Ms. Rietz , Champaign, Illinois: This community has been under siege by the Zook ruffians. What are the chances that Brent is sent packing?

Moderator: Ms. Rietz,

Very funny. I think there is very little chance Josh Brent is sent packing. I think the coaches will work with him to get back on the field. And I also think he has a chance to become an asset to the community if he obeys the laws and tells his story.

Bill, Tuscola, IL: What are you hearing about our chances for Prater and Milton? Recent reports have Milton as a Tennessee lean.

Moderator: Bill,

I've heard that about Milton, but I don't think we'll know for sure until months from now. What if Tennessee goes 4-8, which could happen? I think the recruits the Vols are lining up now are impressive, but they haven't signed a thing.

I still think Kyle Prater will pick Illinois in a close call.

James, Normal, IL: Reading on another site it looks that Milton has TN as a favorite becuase of their pro style offense, but in my opinion Illinois has a good passing attack and of course that will result in a 1st round pick in Benn. Whats your view on how WRs should view the Illini passing attack?

Moderator: James,

Illinois has shown it will throw the ball with Juice Williams as quarterback. No reason to think that will chance with Eddie McGee, Jacob Charest, Nathan Scheelhaase or Chandler Whitmer in the future. Those guys all like to fling it.

Benn is a big selling point to future Illinois receivers. He could be a Top 10 pick in the upcoming draft and he loves his school. He has helped sell Illinois to the recruits and I think they are listening.

not big blue fan, anne arbor, michigan: I can't tell if my question went through, so I will try again.

Don't you figure Michigan is being underrated? THey have had a top 10 recruiting class every year for the past 5 years. Even given some attrition and fall out from the coaching change, they are stacked with talent. And Rodriguez is a good coach. I think Michigan is going to be great, as much as I can't stand Michigan

Moderator: not big blue fan,

It's hard to tell what's going on at Michigan. A very smart football person told me the Wolverines won't be any good without a great quarterback. Maybe that guy is on campus. Maybe not. Michigan went outside the family to hire Rich Rodriguez. The first year was a failure. Maybe, he wasn't the right guy. I don't believe that, but it's possible.

Rodriguez is a good coach in a great setup. He should win big. But another losing season and the Wolverines will be howling for him to go.

There is plenty of talent at Michigan. But does it fit the system? That's why the Wolverines are being rated lower than you might think.

Kyle, Elgin, IL: Hey Bob, no matter what happens with Josh Brent as far as suspensions or anything, has he participated with Summer Strength programs or will he participate in Camp Rantoul this year? Thanks.

Moderator: Kyle,

I believe he's been allowed to work out on his own. I expect him at Camp Rantoul, even if he does face a suspension. The coaches aren't going to expect him to show up two weeks into the season and be ready.

Chris, Romeoville, Il: Is our d line depth not there or are we saying that beyond the first group we don't have anybody who is ready to step in a give breathers?

Moderator: Chris,

I think it's a work in progress and that it will be a lot better if Josh Brent is allowed to play in the opener.

Remember, the coaches moved Rahkeem Smith to tackle in the spring for depth. Sirod Williams is getting stronger every day. I think the ends and tackles will get a boost from the incoming freshmen.

There should be enough guys to keep everybody fresh, but Corey Liuget, Doug Pilcher, Josh Brent, etc., need to stay healthy.

Bill , Waco , Texas: Why is Arrelious Benn #10 in your Heisman list? re you a little bias towards Rejus?

Moderator: Bill,

If you check other Heisman lists, you will find Benn's name listed among the secondary contenders. I know his game better than national observers and feel he can contend with a huge season.

Honestly, there are about 50 guys who deserve consideration, including the quarterback at Baylor. The Big 12 alone has about 10 legitimate candidates.

Jon, Chicago, IL: I saw on the front page of the chat screen that Illinois is ranked 60th by the Sporting News? I would think we should at least be in the 30s, with a legitimate chance to move up quickly with a couple wins. Care to give away where you have us?

Moderator: Jon,

What the heck, I'll scoop myself: No. 21. That will sound high to a lot of people, including my boss, but I think Illinois can have a huge season. It can also go 5-7 again.

I wish I could do the Top 30 after the Missouri game. If Illinois wins, you will have a lot better idea about where the team is going.

Jason, Greenville, SC: Bob,

Thanks for the chats.I may be coming to C-U for a game. Which game(s) will be a tough ticket this season?

Moderator: Jason,

I hope you are able to get here for a game. Write me at asmussen@news-gazette.com if you have any hotel/restaurant questions.

I think Michigan and Penn State will be the tough tickets. The crowds for the other games will be good, but you should be able to get decent seats.

DAVID, NYC, NY: Bob,

Is the national sports media overrating Iowa? They lost Shonn Green and his heir apparent is injured. They also lost the best d-line tandem in the conference in King and Kroul (Mitch King dominated our o-line last season and had a few dirty late hit on Juice, but that's another story). Yeah, Stanzi's been a huge upgrade from Christensen, but pretty much anyone would have been an upgrade from Christensen. Despite their consistency from season to season on defense, I just don't think they are a threat to stay in the top-25 this season.

Moderator: David,

I am not a big fan of the Hawkeyes, but they do have a reasonable schedule and plenty of talent back from a team that won its bowl.

I think talent at receiver has been a problem in the past. It will be interesting to see how good the Hawkeyes are there. And Stanzi is going to be a player to watch. Unfortunately, we have to do it from afar. I don't like it when Illinois doesn't have Iowa and Wisconsin off the schedule. They are close to the Illinois campus and strong rivals.

Tom , Philo, Illinois: How is Iliinois ranked #60? They are much better than that they will be in the top 25 by the end of the season.

Moderator: Tom,

The Sporting News is a very, very good publication. Plenty of research went into the choice. I think relative to Illinois, the Sporting News sees the glass as half empty. Probably the recent history of the school went into that choice.

Al Ryle, Champaign, Il: Bob,

The health of our injured players will really affect the defense, som the question is how are they doing?

Moderator: Al,

The most important case, in my opinion, is Donsay Hardeman. Last time I asked Ron Zook, which was about two weeks ago, he said Donsay was progressing well.

I will try to have a complete health update later in the week on HQ.

Dr. Phil, Orland Park, IL.: Bob, thanks for keeping us Illini fans informed. The questions are on the defense. Besides Brent, Liuget, Williams, Nurse, and Pilcher, who are the other d-linemen in the rotation? Can H-F Mike Buchanan be in the mix? Is he working out on-campus? Last year, I was much more optimistic about the defense, and it under-performed. Give me reasons to be optimistic this year.

Moderator: Dr. Phil,

My understanding is that all of the freshmen are on campus.

Antonio James gets overlooked often in the line discussion. He could have a big season. Rahkeem Smith will have a chance to play. And the freshmen will all get a long look in Camp Rantoul.

Andrew, Champaign, IL: Hey Bob, I havent heard much about Fred Sykes this offseason. Is he still with the team? If so, do you think he will have any impact even with our depth at reciever?

Moderator: Fred,

Yes, Fred Sykes is still with the team. He gets overlooked sometimes in the conversation about receivers. He had a solid freshman season and could have a big impact his second year.

You can't have too many receivers, especially when you use as many as Illinois does.

Steve, Dawson, IL: Love these off season chats, Bob. When are single game tickets going on sale?

Looking forward to an exciting season.

Moderator: Steve,

Single-game tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. July 23. If you want Michigan or Penn State tickets, I would get on the phone or computer early. I'm guessing tickets for Fresno State should be a bit easier.

Tanner, Morton, Illinois: Hey I got a question about recruiting, who are the Illini looking at for running back and where do they stand with running back Casey Turner from Flordia? Thanks

Moderator: Tanner,

Running back is an interesting situation for Illinois because of all the young talent on the team. While the school certainly wants a back or two in the upcoming class, it isn't as much of a priority as other positions. Still, you want to get the great ones like Justin Green whenever you can.

Casey Turner has Illinois on his list with a bunch of other schools. Being from Jacksonville should help Illinois, which has strong ties to the city.

At least four other top backs list Illinois among their possible destinations, according to Rivals.com: Corey Brown, Andre Dawson, Mustafa Greene and Joseph Randle. None of them are from Illinois, which makes it harder for Ron Zook's team. But not impossible.

chris, indianapolis, IN: what will be the role of eddie mcgee next season? have the coaches indicated whether he will still split some duties at WR?

Moderator: Chris,

I think Eddie will be used in a variety of ways. Receiver is a strong possibility. But the coaches have to be careful with him. They can't afford to put their backup quarterback in danger.

Eddie is a talented athlete who will compete for the starting quarterback job in 2010.

Moderator: I'm going to call it a day. Thanks again for all of your great questions.

I'll talk to you next week.