9/5 News & Notes - Scheelhaase is at practice and looks healthy

[07Illini]

Originally Posted by Symmooth

I'd like to see Osei start the game, split time with ROT, and save NS for the second half only if we need him, which we probably will or not play him at all and just take the loss.

This game is not important enough to risk NS re-injuring his ankle, making it a season long hindrance, IMO.

WHAT?

[Dan]

#illini Beckman: Scheelhaase "much better" today but didn't want to talk much about him. O'Toole + Osei "neck and neck for starting spot

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

[07Illini]

This is exactly as we expected. Beckman said he wasn't going to show his hand, and he isn't.

[MastFan1]

To those who are more knowledgeable than me on pregame stuff, does a night game offer any advantage against the normal 11 AM start time when it comes to Nate's ankle? i.e. more time for treatment, etc.?

[Dan]

#Illini coach Time Beckman on Nathan Scheelhaase: "He practiced today. We'll see how it responds, but he was out there practicing."

More from #Illini coach Beckman: "He's much better than he was yesterday." ...

#Illini coach Beckman: "He said he felt pretty good. Any time you have an injury to the ankle, it's going to progress. ...

Beckman: "It's been progressing and we'll have to make that decision Thursday after practice." #Illini

Then he got sick of talking about it. "I'm not going to answer any more questions on Nate. Nate practiced today." #Illini

http://twitter.com/marcusrjackson

#illini Beckman on Scheelhaase's ankle: "It's been progressing and we'll have to make that decision on Thursday after practice."

DT Akeem Spence said he wants D to be Illinois program identity. "We're just trying to be like the Alabama of the Big Ten."

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

[Dan]

Asked if #illini D has a nickname yet, Spence said: "No nicknames yet. We just got to keep working. The fans will come up with one."

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

[jackman404]

We need Nathan to have any chance of winning on Saturday. If he practiced today, I would expect him to start. He can use the CSU game as a bye week.

[Dan]

Re-post. Keep 'em guessing

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

Looks like we found a new formation to get more QBs on the field at the same time.

[99Devil]

Hi folks,
I'm looking forward to Saturday night and have enjoyed reading a few threads on your board. Refreshingly reasonable discussion here.

I was wondering would you prefer NS at 85% or his backup? I'm curious how you feel about your backup(s).

As to my thoughts about ASU (in case you are interested). We could not have looked better Thursday, but as everyone has pointed out, it was against an FCS team and has very little indicative value for the rest of our season.

The positives that I observed that likely do have some future value:
1. The team was very disciplined (of course it is easier to be disciplined when you are never tested and had the game won at the end of 1Q).
2. Kelly looked quite good, His arm strength on long balls is suspect, but otherwise he hit his targets most of the night and followed his progressions well. Will again be interesting to see how he reacts to big time pressure from a legit D1 D Line.
3. DJ Foster was electric, Grice looked strong. I'm confident if Marshall went down again this year, the drop off in the running game wouldn't be nearly as severe as it was last season.

Concerns:
1. QB is still very unproven
2. WRs are a clear weak point. Only one legit/proven P12 WR on the team at this point. A couple guys looked good against NAU (Smith, Ross)
3. Secondary - 4 starters are solid, but very little depth. We would be hard pressed to field a confident Dime lineup (in other words past the 5th DB I have absolutely no confidence).

My projection for this Saturday:
ASU 24 - IL 20
I see the difference here basically being home field (similar to last year)

P.S. I enjoyed reading your takes on circadian rhythm, interesting idea, and I have seen it many times in the reverse case (West coast teams to early East Coast games are often flat). I never considered the impact of an East team coming west.

[Kramer116]

Originally Posted by 99Devil

Hi folks,
I'm looking forward to Saturday night and have enjoyed reading a few threads on your board. Refreshingly reasonable discussion here.

I was wondering would you prefer NS at 85% or his backup? I'm curious how you feel about your backup(s).

As to my thoughts about ASU (in case you are interested). We could not have looked better Thursday, but as everyone has pointed out, it was against an FCS team and has very little indicative value for the rest of our season.

The positives that I observed that likely do have some future value:
1. The team was very disciplined (of course it is easier to be disciplined when you are never tested and had the game won at the end of 1Q).
2. Kelly looked quite good, His arm strength on long balls is suspect, but otherwise he hit his targets most of the night and followed his progressions well. Will again be interesting to see how he reacts to big time pressure from a legit D1 D Line.
3. DJ Foster was electric, Grice looked strong. I'm confident if Marshall went down again this year, the drop off in the running game wouldn't be nearly as severe as it was last season.

Concerns:
1. QB is still very unproven
2. WRs are a clear weak point. Only one legit/proven P12 WR on the team at this point. A couple guys looked good against NAU (Smith, Ross)
3. Secondary - 4 starters are solid, but very little depth. We would be hard pressed to field a confident Dime lineup (in other words past the 5th DB I have absolutely no confidence).

My projection for this Saturday:
ASU 24 - IL 20
I see the difference here basically being home field (similar to last year)

P.S. I enjoyed reading your takes on circadian rhythm, interesting idea, and I have seen it many times in the reverse case (West coast teams to early East Coast games are often flat). I never considered the impact of an East team coming west.

Thanks for the recap, there are quite things that eerily similar:

1. Scheelhaase at 85% is better than any of our backups 100%. No doubt about it in my mind.

2. Kelly sounds a lot like Scheelhaase. Illinois absolutely has to pressure him all night long, which I am confident we can do.

3. Sounds like you have a great stable of RBs. Luckily, our run defense has seemed to be a real strength of Illinois. We have allowed a total of 12 yards total against UCLA (bowl) and Western Michigan the past 2 games played. That will be the deciding factor in the game imo...

4. Your concerns regarding your WR corps sounds exactly like ours. I am sure you guys have more depth, we are very, very thin. We will be flexing out RBs and TEs after our top 3 WR.

5. Our secondary is very experienced and surprisingly showing a lot of depth. Very important is that they are all good tacklers. I am concerned about them being "too aggressive" and getting beat deep this week for an easy score. We shall see.

[plogli]

Originally Posted by 99Devil

Hi folks,
I'm looking forward to Saturday night and have enjoyed reading a few threads on your board. Refreshingly reasonable discussion here.

I was wondering would you prefer NS at 85% or his backup? I'm curious how you feel about your backup(s).

As to my thoughts about ASU (in case you are interested). We could not have looked better Thursday, but as everyone has pointed out, it was against an FCS team and has very little indicative value for the rest of our season.

The positives that I observed that likely do have some future value:
1. The team was very disciplined (of course it is easier to be disciplined when you are never tested and had the game won at the end of 1Q).
2. Kelly looked quite good, His arm strength on long balls is suspect, but otherwise he hit his targets most of the night and followed his progressions well. Will again be interesting to see how he reacts to big time pressure from a legit D1 D Line.
3. DJ Foster was electric, Grice looked strong. I'm confident if Marshall went down again this year, the drop off in the running game wouldn't be nearly as severe as it was last season.

Concerns:
1. QB is still very unproven
2. WRs are a clear weak point. Only one legit/proven P12 WR on the team at this point. A couple guys looked good against NAU (Smith, Ross)
3. Secondary - 4 starters are solid, but very little depth. We would be hard pressed to field a confident Dime lineup (in other words past the 5th DB I have absolutely no confidence).

My projection for this Saturday:
ASU 24 - IL 20
I see the difference here basically being home field (similar to last year)

P.S. I enjoyed reading your takes on circadian rhythm, interesting idea, and I have seen it many times in the reverse case (West coast teams to early East Coast games are often flat). I never considered the impact of an East team coming west.

Devil -- I'm boldly speaking for Illini fans everywhere, but the strong preference is for Nate at 85%. Kid has 27 starts under his belt and is the only QB on our roster who has played/won in hostile environments. Combo of the crowd, weather and time zone change makes this a really tough stage for a backup to make his first start. Don't think Illini have much of a chance if one of those guys has to go.

Inevitably, I think the ASU offense will make some plays with their speed and put some points on the board. Don't see it getting higher than 24 though.

Question will be can Illinois move the ball on the ground. If they can, scoring 27 isn't out of the question and the game is winnable. If they have to move it through the air, they'll be lucky to keep it close.

[99Devil]

Originally Posted by Kramer116

Thanks for the recap, there are quite things that eerily similar:

1. Scheelhaase at 85% is better than any of our backups 100%. No doubt about it in my mind.

2. Kelly sounds a lot like Scheelhaase. Illinois absolutely has to pressure him all night long, which I am confident we can do.

3. Sounds like you have a great stable of RBs. Luckily, our run defense has seemed to be a real strength of Illinois. We have allowed a total of 12 yards total against UCLA (bowl) and Western Michigan the past 2 games played. That will be the deciding factor in the game imo...

4. Your concerns regarding your WR corps sounds exactly like ours. I am sure you guys have more depth, we are very, very thin. We will be flexing out RBs and TEs after our top 3 WR.

5. Our secondary is very experienced and surprisingly showing a lot of depth. Very important is that they are all good tacklers. I am concerned about them being "too aggressive" and getting beat deep this week for an easy score. We shall see.

Thanks for the response.

Only comment I would make is I think it is too early to say Kelly is like Scheelhaase, he has a similar skillset. But obviously TK is very unproven. I would give you guys a huge + at QB if Scheelhaase is 100%. The X factor is Eubank, I was surprised at how he was used against NAU, I thought he would throw the ball a bit more. Eubank has a very strong arm with relatively poor accuracy. But in Goal line situations I think our big set with ME in there is very strong.

[Groundhogday]

Originally Posted by plogli

No doubt, this is good news -- would love to see Nate out there on Saturday.

That said, it is in no way worth risking his long-term health over a non-conference game. Goal has to be to have Nate 100% against PSU on 9/29. If he re-injures it Sat night, everybody's going to be pointing the finger at Beckman.

They can tape the crap out of the ankle to prevent further injury (assuming it is a minor sprain to begin with). This might restrict his mobility, but a slightly restricted Nate is better than the backups at full speed.

He has to play in this situation.

[99Devil]

Originally Posted by plogli

Devil -- I'm boldly speaking for Illini fans everywhere, but the strong preference is for Nate at 85%. Kid has 27 starts under his belt and is the only QB on our roster who has played/won in hostile environments. Combo of the crowd, weather and time zone change makes this a really tough stage for a backup to make his first start. Don't think Illini have much of a chance if one of those guys has to go.

Inevitably, I think the ASU offense will make some plays with their speed and put some points on the board. Don't see it getting higher than 24 though.

Question will be can Illinois move the ball on the ground. If they can, scoring 27 isn't out of the question and the game is winnable. If they have to move it through the air, they'll be lucky to keep it close.

Yes, of course what you said makes sense, got to have the experience in a game like this.

Follow up question is, in a home game against a B1G foe NS @ 85% or backup?

[Dan]

Video: Coach Banks Post-Practice 9/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEPklUoUxz8

Video: DT Akeem Spence Post-Practice 9/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzGj0ygBUpk

[Dan]

Fun stuff. First time I've heard Beckman so annoyed-

Post-practice audio: #illini Tim Beckman on Nathan Scheelhaase's health, ASU and the UI defense.

http://tayandj.podbean.com/2012/09/0...post-practice/

[plogli]

Originally Posted by 99Devil

Follow up question is, in a home game against a B1G foe NS @ 85% or backup?

Still have to roll with Nate. At this point, we really have no idea what to expect from either of the other options. In the limited sample we've seen, it hasn't been impressive. Neither truly challenged Nate in Spring/Fall practice and Nate is by no means a consistent performer.

All the QB debate ignores the biggest factor in the outcome of this game. Illini O-line. They were bad on Saturday v. a MAC team. Play calling didn't help them either, but if they repeat what they did Sat we don't win with Braxton Miller at QB.

Illini o-line coach Luke Butkus was asked a question about tweaking his scheme yesterday and he cut the reporter off "No, we have to come off the ball...run off the football, move their feet. That's how you create movement in this game."

[Dan]

Beckman's face is as hot as the surface of the sun. That's intensity.

Q: Can you just update us on Nate, how he did today?

TB: Practiced today. So we'll see how he responds. But he's out there practicing.

Q: You feel more positive today?

TB: Oh yeah he's much better than he was yesterday.

Q: Would you give him a percentage on his speed, 90%..?

TB: Naw..he practiced today.

Q: How did he say he felt afterwards?

TB: Said he felt pretty good. I think that anytime you have an injury to the ankle then it's just going to progress. It's been progressing and we'll have to make that decision on Thursday after practice.

Q: What are the things today that he couldn't do?

TB: I'm not going to answer anymore questions on Nate. Nate practiced today. If you want to ask me questions about the University of Illinois football team I'd be happy to, but Nate practiced today.

[Dan]

Gonzales: Rock, Knight and Hardee likely to give #illini more depth at WR vs ASU.

http://twitter.com/JohnSupinie

Check The Tape - Western Michigan - http://tinyurl.com/97cgkeb - #Illini #FB

http://twitter.com/ALionEye

[Sybok]

Originally Posted by Dan

Beckman's face is as hot as the surface of the sun. That's intensity.

Q: Can you just update us on Nate, how he did today?

TB: Practiced today. So we'll see how he responds. But he's out there practicing.

Q: You feel more positive today?

TB: Oh yeah he's much better than he was yesterday.

Q: Would you give him a percentage on his speed, 90%..?

TB: Naw..he practiced today.

Q: How did he say he felt afterwards?

TB: Said he felt pretty good. I think that anytime you have an injury to the ankle then it's just going to progress. It's been progressing and we'll have to make that decision on Thursday after practice.

Q: What are the things today that he couldn't do?

TB: I'm not going to answer anymore questions on Nate. Nate practiced today. If you want to ask me questions about the University of Illinois football team I'd be happy to, but Nate practiced today.

Good for Beck.

[AHSIllini32]

Check The Tape - Western Michigan - http://tinyurl.com/97cgkeb - #Illini #FB

http://twitter.com/ALionEye

Boy that check the tape really illustrates just how close we were to springing a couple big plays but because of missed blocks by the OL and one by the WR we ended up with no gains or minimal yardage.

[riffraff]

Originally Posted by AHSIllini32

Boy that check the tape really illustrates just how close we were to springing a couple big plays but because of missed blocks by the OL and one by the WR we ended up with no gains or minimal yardage.

Yeah, fantastic analysis even a novice can follow. It does raise concern but also illustrates how some good coaching can help the players learn how to adjust slightly and make a big positive difference.

[AHSIllini32]

Originally Posted by riffraff

Yeah, fantastic analysis even a novice can follow. It does raise concern but also illustrates how some good coaching can help the players learn how to adjust slightly and make a big positive difference.

No doubt about it. As has been said on here by a couple people, the biggest jump usually occurs between week one and two so hopefully after getting some actual in-game experience with the new scheme's and seeing the mistakes on film it will lead to some of those corrections.

[OCDevil90]

I really appriciate the fair and balanced approach of the fans here. IMHO it would be better to rest your QB if not totally 100%. Yes this is a bigger game than Charleston Southern, but which one would be the better loss? not saying that you would lose to that team under any cuircustances, but I certainly would consider it, if I were the coach. Also because neither of these games really matter unless your going for the National Championship. Under the current system, unless you think you will be a top 8 team by season's end, the only thing that matters is in conference play, you are better off letting him rest. You probably, almost certainly win next week w/o him anyway. give him two weeks to get totally healthy so this doesn't come back toward the end of the season. Being from the Toledo area myself, I'm not sure this coach is of that mindset, when your used to playing where every game counts. Their non-conference schedule is set up for national recognition, they are not practice games. Did you all see the TU UA game? Go Rockets!

Having said all that, the one thing that most of you aren't familiar with is how much better we are at home. When I was there we were considered two completely different teams at home and on the road. Do you really think a team that ended up worse than you guys last year should have beaten Mizzu? Conversly, the team that beat Iowa 44-7 should have been in the BCS, but finished midiocre instead.

This will be a completely different experience for you all. being from Ohio I know there is nothing out there like it, the heat, the evening under the lights, the electric atmosphere; it's all very different. Wish I could be there. I go to all of our games at the Rose Bowl and The Colesium, and they don't even compare. I know it sounds like crap. Please come to the game. See what we are like. Ask your friends across the river who came for the Iowa game. Then go back and tell the world what they are missing.

Also wanted to add what that will do for your future if you have a back up that starts two consecutive games then finishes several because you are far enough ahead to due having a healthy starting QB. Just my humble opinion.

[AHSIllini32]

Originally Posted by OCDevil90

I really appriciate the fair and balanced approach of the fans here. IMHO it would be better to rest your QB if not totally 100%. Yes this is a bigger game than Charleston Southern, but which one would be the better loss? not saying that you would lose to that team under any cuircustances, but I certainly would consider it, if I were the coach. Also because neither of these games really matter unless your going for the National Championship. Under the current system, unless you think you will be a top 8 team by season's end, the only thing that matters is in conference play, you are better off letting him rest. You probably, almost certainly win next week w/o him anyway. give him two weeks to get totally healthy so this doesn't come back toward the end of the season. Being from the Toledo area myself, I'm not sure this coach is of that mindset, when your used to playing where every game counts. Their non-conference schedule is set up for national recognition, they are not practice games. Did you all see the TU UA game? Go Rockets!

Having said all that, the one thing that most of you aren't familiar with is how much better we are at home. When I was there we were considered two completely different teams at home and on the road. Do you really think a team that ended up worse than you guys last year should have beaten Mizzu? Conversly, the team that beat Iowa 44-7 should have been in the BCS, but finished midiocre instead.

This will be a completely different experience for you all. being from Ohio I know there is nothing out there like it, the heat, the evening under the lights, the electric atmosphere; it's all very different. Wish I could be there. I go to all of our games at the Rose Bowl and The Colesium, and they don't even compare. I know it sounds like crap. Please come to the game. See what we are like. Ask your friends across the river who came for the Iowa game. Then go back and tell the world what they are missing.

Appreciate you coming over here to post but with all due respect, you should never rest your starting QB for a game like this especially when he practiced twice already this week. Sure you can say the conference games are the only ones that matter and all that but if by some chance he reinjures his ankle this week then we can rest him next week.

Bottom line, if your #1 QB is healthy enough to play, you play him.