The Sporting News applied the latest hit, picking Illinois 11th in the Big Ten and 83rd among 112 Division I-A football programs.

   Face it: The Illini have fallen into disrespect. Nothing short of on-field success can turn it around.

Patricia McCray won't argue that her son, Connie Moore, made a mistake Sunday. But she questions whether the punishment fit the crime.

Moore, a junior college transfer, was dismissed from the Illinois football team Sunday for what Ron Turner called "conduct detrimental to the team."

   Wide receiver William Loyd, a junior college transfer, missed Friday''s session. "He''s taking care of some personal business," Illinois coach Ron Turner said. "He''s fine."

Love to give you an update on Illinois football, but with practices now held in secret it's hard.

We know the Illini stretch well, probably better than any other team in the Big Ten. Many touch their toes without bending a knee.

Too many Jeff Hecklinskis and Tim Laverys have come and gone – too many Eric Jeffersons and Mike Flaars – to take seriously the pre-college ratings of incoming Illini freshmen.

It's a crap shoot, pure and simple. It's anybody's guess.

CHAMPAIGN – Robby Long can appreciate what teammate Lenny Willis has done for the players who followed him to Illinois.

Willis, The News-Gazette's Area Player of the Year in 1994, started a string of Centennial graduates heading to the UI. Robby Long followed, along with walk-on Patrick Rouse and now Quincy Washington.

   UNLIKELY RETURN: Cornerback Carlos McLaurin was supposed to be one of the Illini starters this season. But he hasn''t taken a snap in practice and likely won''t be with the team.

   McLaurin showed up at the UI practice Thursday in street clothes. The junior from St. Louis is having academic difficulties.

CHAMPAIGN – It was the most open closed practice in the history of college football.

Because of poor conditions at their own practice fields, the Illinois football team moved Wednesday to the Division of Campus Recreation Playfield Multiplex. Might as well have practiced in the middle of Interstate-57.