Opponent Press Conference Notes - Illinois (Redacted)

Submitted by oriental andrew on

Every time I do one of these (MSU, PSU), we lose.  But we're talking Illinois here.  Seriously.  And wait, didn't I also do plucky DSU?  I don't remember.  But it matters not because Coach (still) Redacted has done a press conference thingy and I'm here to distill all the tasty bits into, um, tasty bits... 

On Injuries:

  • Starting TE Michael Hoomanawanui didn't practice yesterday and is day to day. Stats not terribly impressive, though, with only 8 receptions for 84 yards and no TD (largely a function of their QB situation, though).
  • RS Soph OL Tyler Sands had a hip flexor, but practiced and seemed good to go. Improved in the last couple of games, but tough matchup facing Graham.
  • S Donsay Hardeman had the stomach flu, but should be back for Sunday. Had apparently suffered a minor neck injury against Indiana, but that must not be bothering him. True frosh DB Terry Hawthorne may see some time. He took his first defensive snaps against Indiana and was on special teams in all games.
On the Quarterback situation:
  • Would prefer to have just one QB, but understands that sometimes it must be done, and some have success with it.  Didn't say who will start, but said Charest and Williams will both definitely play.
  • Williams and Charest bring something different to the table, so more for the defense to gameplan against.  McGee and Williams were fairly similar, so not much variation in terms of defensive gameplanning.
  • Impressed with Charest's poise and leadership, particularly in keeping his eyes downfield and not scrambling too soon.
  • Biggest drawback to 2 QB system is timing issues with the offense. 
  • Williams has handled the QB situation well.  Mainly, he just wants to win.  It's mostly a confidence issue before, but he's done it before and is capable of doing it again.

On the RB rotation:

  • True soph RB Mikel LeShoure looks to be the primary guy, with the most carries (44) and most rushing yards (285) of the RB's (Juice Williams leads the team in rushing yards with 395).  He was suspended for one game earlier (against PSU), but has done what he needs to do to stay on the field.

On the Michigan game:

  • Big game for Illinois, an opportunity to get back on track. 
  • Michigan's offense is good, leading the league in scoring and yards, and with an experienced OL.  A big mindset and attitude shift from last year.
  • Similar to Illinois defensively with similar fronts/formations. 
  • "Brandon Graham is the real deal."  (that's verbatim, kids)

My take: they seem a lot like a less-talented version of Michigan, honestly.  Our QB's are probably a slight upgrade over theirs, or at least equal.  Our RB situation has been equally unstable, but we just have better talent there.  His comment that our defenses being similar is also true from the perspective of having little experience and depth in the secondary, and being like a sieve, in general (how bitterly ironic you are, Coach Redacted).  Hopefully, the talent advantage shows up on the field of play Saturday.

GO BLUE!

Illinois
opponent press conference
name redacted
illinois' goose is zooked
aurelious=regis how?

Comments

Nothsa

October 28th, 2009 at 5:43 PM ^

Zook walked in wearing a $350 pair of Air Juice shoes. Shoes that frankly looked a lot better than they actually were, but nevertheless if you broke them in right, and paired them with a blue-chip pair of pants, could take just about anybody pretty far. But somehow Zook tripped on a cable, scuffed the shoes, and cracked his head on the podium. He put on another pair of shoes to try to finish out the press conference, but those weren't any good - career backup kind of shoes. Zook said he'd wear a new pair of shoes Saturday. We know all about new shoes, though - they give you blisters until they are properly broken in. Me, I think that while Ron Zook can sure purchase expensive shoes, he has no idea how to break them in. That's why Michigan will win on Saturday. It's the shoes, man.

Joined: 10/07/2008

MGoPoints: 1868

bigge1014

October 29th, 2009 at 4:58 AM ^

I watched parts of their games this year on BTN and they look like UM did last year. The offense is dysfunctional. Its hard to understand what happened to Juice. Everyhing looked promising for him coming into this year. Hopefully this isn't the week he figures it out. GO BLUE

Joined: 10/26/2009

MGoPoints: 2

Tauro

October 29th, 2009 at 12:57 PM ^

I wonder if it their pass protection that has impacted Illinois (and Juice) so much. Last year, they only gave up 25 sacks in total. This - 22 already. Maybe he is hanging on to the ball too much, but I can't see that accounting for that many sacks. And if he is getting sacked that much, then the passes he does get off are likely rushed. If so, a heavy dose of Graham will do wonders to cure the blues.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1378