9/17 News & Notes

Groundhogday · Sep 16, 2012, 10:28 PM

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Illini football Q&A: Lead running back needed

The Illinois depth chart listed Ferguson as the No. 1 running back. Against Charleston Southern, the Illini had 114 yards rushing with center Graham Pocic sidelined with a knee injury.

“I feel OK with the run game,’’ said co-offensive coordinator Chris Beatty. “We have to get Graham Pocic back. He’s a big cog. Josh Ferguson is a big cog. We’ve got other guys who need to step up, too.’’

Suipinie

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Injuries to already-thin Illini keeping Beckman sleepless

Going into this college football season, one truth frightened Tim Beckman more than any other...

There was no proven depth at wide receiver, running back or along the offense line. No depth at safety and little at linebacker. And no cushion at the kicking positions.

Three games into the season and the new Illini coach’s worst fears have come true. Illinois has taken multiple hits at all of those positions. For good measure, his starting quarterback has watched two of three games from the sideline.

Tupper

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MJs take on Louisiana Tech

Houston and La. Tech combined to run 219 plays in their game, setting an NCAA record.

"I think that's why we try to play as many guys as we can because part of the spread offenses is to wear defenses down," defensive coordinator Tim Banks said. "We've got to do the best job that we can in making sure we're keeping guys in there fresh, giving them a chance to really play at a high level because they are fresh and not fatigued."

Marcus Jackson

Groundhogday · Sep 16, 2012, 10:34 PM

One plus for the defense this year: Banks has been plays a LOT of guys relative to VK last year. While we might pay a price for that early in the season, in the long run hopefully our guys will stay fresher and we'll build more depth.

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:10 AM

Tim Beckman press conference today 1:15pm CT.

Serious Late · Sep 17, 2012, 12:17 AM

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Illinois barely tested in 44-0 victory

Among the backup highlights:

•Freshman linebacker Mason Monheim snaring an interception on Charleston Southern's opening drive to set up Illinois' first touchdown.

•Freshman running back Dami Ayoola spinning free of a pileup for a 28-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

•Redshirt freshman kicker Taylor Zalewski filling in for Nick Immekus (lower body strain) and making a low-sailing 47-yard field goal in the third quarter.

•O'Toole completing his first 10 passes, including two 4-yard touchdown throws to wide receiver Ryan Lankford, who had seven catches for 97 yards.

Kane

jeffs · Sep 17, 2012, 06:48 AM

Monday First Word
http://www.illinihq.com/audio/2012-0...n-9-17-12.html

quhawks12 · Sep 17, 2012, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhogday

One plus for the defense this year: Banks has been plays a LOT of guys relative to VK last year. While we might pay a price for that early in the season, in the long run hopefully our guys will stay fresher and we'll build more depth.

I agree. The years under VK our defense was clearly gassed at the end of the year and then played great in the bowl game after a month off. Which shows that most of them needed rest.

Plus guys like Moenheim, Bentley, Svetina get good experience. Again though this makes me VERY WORRIED about Teko and Vontrell. I watched the game last night and I'm telling you if those 2 can't beat out Teitsma and Howe WE ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE.

Now, it could be the coaches are desperate to keep these guys RS years in tact to get them stronger etc so they are ready to step in as starters next year and with our lack of depth the extra year of eligibility could be huge. I'm hoping that's the case at least.

Sure Shot · Sep 17, 2012, 08:18 AM

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Originally Posted by quhawks12

Again though this makes me VERY WORRIED about Teko and Vontrell. I watched the game last night and I'm telling you if those 2 can't beat out Teitsma and Howe WE ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE.

I would advise against giving up on highly touted true freshman linemen 3 games into their careers.

And we've had players who didn't belong on a Big Ten field before, lots of them really, I won't name names. Teitsma and Howe are not in that group. I actually think Howe has been pretty good.

Groundhogday · Sep 17, 2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quhawks12

Again though this makes me VERY WORRIED about Teko and Vontrell. I watched the game last night and I'm telling you if those 2 can't beat out Teitsma and Howe WE ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE.

Now, it could be the coaches are desperate to keep these guys RS years in tact to get them stronger etc so they are ready to step in as starters next year and with our lack of depth the extra year of eligibility could be huge. I'm hoping that's the case at least.

They can go more aggressively after weight and strength with these guys if they aren't playing, right? Or do they benefit more from on-field experience? I agree that we probably don't want Howe and Teitsma starting next year.

This is a position where we are paying a big price for recruiting shortfalls at the end of the Zook era.

quhawks12 · Sep 17, 2012, 08:30 AM

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Originally Posted by Sure Shot

I would advise against giving up on highly touted true freshman linemen 3 games into their careers.

And we've had players who didn't belong on a Big Ten field before, lots of them really, I won't name names. Teitsma and Howe are not in that group. I actually think Howe has been pretty good.

Oh I'm not giving up on them at all. I just was hoping for them to possibly contribute this year. I'm guessing the staff is holding them back.

And I won't comment on your last sentence

quhawks12 · Sep 17, 2012, 08:33 AM

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Originally Posted by Groundhogday

They can go more aggressively after weight and strength with these guys if they aren't playing, right? Or do they benefit more from on-field experience? I agree that we probably don't want Howe and Teitsma starting next year.

This is a position where we are paying a big price for recruiting shortfalls at the end of the Zook era.

Yes. You go a lot more aggressively with weight and strength when you RS. The D1 program I was a GA at our RS guys lifted like it was the off-season including a Friday night and Saturday morning workout while the regular guys were going through walk-throughs. Those were some of the toughest workouts we had but they made a huge difference in a guys body.

That is the million dollar question...what benefits the player more? Now, I get with these 2 they might hold back b/c we have 2 good starters. If we can play our back-ups in spots where we want them in ok. I'd have to believe if we had an injury to a DT these 2 would both get the chance to start.

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 11:54 AM

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#Illini depth chart lists Scheelhaase OR Reilly O'Toole as starting QB, Graham Pocic OR Jake Feldmeyer as starting C; No Sanni or Hull

#illini depth chart also lists Houston Bates OR Mason Monheim as starting MLB and Darius MIllines OR Justin Hardee as starting WR.

Nick Immekus OR Taylor Zalewski also listed as possible starting kickers.

https://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:13 PM

Presser!

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Coach Beckman's weekly press conference begins in a few minutes. He'll talk #Illini and LaTech. Watch live here: http://bit.ly/QjUUe8 . #B1G

http://twitter.com/IlliniFootball

Illini125 · Sep 17, 2012, 12:18 PM

Let's see how long it takes until he gets bombarded by questions about Nate's health...

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:18 PM

Tate!

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#illini Beckman press conference being delayed as the great Loren Tate figures out how to turn on his recorder #TateTales

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:20 PM

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Beckman: "The challenge ... is to learn how to win and learn how to respond to winning."

Beckman on La Tech offense: "Very fast" 101 snaps vs. Houston. Tempo-type offense. Mass substitutions. Senior-laden team.

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:21 PM

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Beckman on Scheelhaase: "He's progressed about the same, to be honest with you."

Beckman on Scheelhaase: not going to put Nathan Scheelhaase on the field "unless he can better this football team."

Asked if everyone who missed game against Charleston Southern practiced last week, Beckman said: "No."

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:25 PM

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Beckman said he'd eventually like to run his offense as fast as ASU and La Tech. Limited by inexperience and backup QB.

Beckman on D: "It still comes down to tackling." Fixed communication problems, which he said lasted only 4 plays vs. ASU

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

TheSecretWeapon · Sep 17, 2012, 12:28 PM

it is so annoying when people get hung up on incorrect details when it doesn't affect the overall point being made.

OK media, Beckman had his numbers wrong. I think the point he is making is they have a high powered offense :rolleyes:

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:29 PM

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Beckman: Moheim proved himself during 2-a-days. "He jumped in there & started his 3rd football game, so that speaks highly" abt him

Beckman on O'Toole: "He improved from the Arizona State game dramatically."

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:31 PM

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Beckman on Scheelhaase: "We're not being cautious with anybody. He's just not ready."

Mason Monheim was #illini defensive MVP, vs CSU Ryan Lankford was offensive MVP, Taylor Zalewski and Tommy Davis were special teams MVPs

Beckman: "I can't say anyone for sure" will return from injuries who missed time vs. CSU.

http://twitter.com/WernerConnectFM

CaptainHindsight · Sep 17, 2012, 12:37 PM

what we learned from this presser: 1. Tate is befuddled by technology. 2. Becks was being serious when he told everyone he wasn't going to give details about injuries.

Illini125 · Sep 17, 2012, 12:40 PM

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Originally Posted by CaptainHindsight

2. Becks was being serious when he told everyone he wasn't going to give details about injuries.

Rittenberg took the bullet for everyone there when he asked it. I'm sure the rest of them were afraid after the pre-ASU game stuff.

JohnSmith · Sep 17, 2012, 12:42 PM

Does anyone have any idea on Supo Sanni? Is his Achilles that bad? On another note, how long are we going to continue to use Jack Ramsey? Through 3 games it is obvious the guy can't play, should I assume we are just that thin...

quhawks12 · Sep 17, 2012, 12:46 PM

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Originally Posted by JohnSmith

Does anyone have any idea on Supo Sanni? Is his Achilles that bad? On another note, how long are we going to continue to use Jack Ramsey? Through 3 games it is obvious the guy can't play, should I assume we are just that thin...

Not sure anyone actually knows what is wrong with Sanni.

And get used to Ramsey. We are that thin at CB. And he actually has not played that bad. Don't get me wrong he hasn't been great but he's serviceable.

And, I would have really...REALLY loved if you had put an "L" between the John and the Smith.

Dan · Sep 17, 2012, 12:50 PM

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25+ media surround #Illini Ashante Williams at today's media session. #B1G http://twitpic.com/avq7es

http://twitter.com/IlliniFootball

Sep 16, 2012, 10:34 PM	#2
Groundhogday Posts: 18,087	One plus for the defense this year: Banks has been plays a LOT of guys relative to VK last year. While we might pay a price for that early in the season, in the long run hopefully our guys will stay fresher and we'll build more depth. __________________ ONLY ORANGE!

Sep 17, 2012, 12:28 PM	#18
TheSecretWeapon Location: ILLINI NATION! Posts: 586	it is so annoying when people get hung up on incorrect details when it doesn't affect the overall point being made. OK media, Beckman had his numbers wrong. I think the point he is making is they have a high powered offense :rolleyes: __________________ PSA: Teams "LOSE" games. They don't "LOOSE" them. PSA#2: "Would have" or "would've," not "would of." ORANGEY RUN RUN RUN SCORE SCORE

Sep 17, 2012, 12:10 AM	#3
Dan Admin Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 25,908	Tim Beckman press conference today 1:15pm CT.

Sep 17, 2012, 06:48 AM	#5
jeffs Posts: 165	Monday First Word http://www.illinihq.com/audio/2012-0...n-9-17-12.html

Sep 17, 2012, 12:18 PM	#13
Illini125 Posts: 1,598	Let's see how long it takes until he gets bombarded by questions about Nate's health...

Sep 17, 2012, 12:37 PM	#21
CaptainHindsight Location: Champaign Posts: 299	what we learned from this presser: 1. Tate is befuddled by technology. 2. Becks was being serious when he told everyone he wasn't going to give details about injuries.

Sep 17, 2012, 12:42 PM	#23
JohnSmith Posts: 3	Does anyone have any idea on Supo Sanni? Is his Achilles that bad? On another note, how long are we going to continue to use Jack Ramsey? Through 3 games it is obvious the guy can't play, should I assume we are just that thin...