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Behind the Mic

Game Week!!!

Posted by: Brian Barnhart

Sunday, August 30, 2009 4:04 PM

It is finally here...Illinois vs Mizzou...Edward Jones Dome...St.Louis, MO!...You are looking LIVE!!!...

Well...almost...

I can't say all those things OFFICIALLY until this Saturday...but I have to get some practice in now.

Yes football season is here and Illini fans are hoping for a turnaround after the disappointing 5-7 finish of a year ago.

Juice Williams is a senior. Arrelious Benn is one of the top receivers in the nation and a likely first round NFL pick next spring. Jarred Fayson joins a deep receiving corps that may just be the best in the Big Ten...The Illini also have a lot of depth at running back and with Mike Shultz's 2-tight end offense the Illini will be looking to run the ball more effectively this fall. I dont think I am going out too far on a limb to say that the Illini should be able to score some points this season.

The defense features some great individual talent...Martez Wilson being the headliner at middle linebacker. Josh Brent and Corey Liuget could become one of the better defensive tackle tandems around by season's end. Doug Pilcher and Sirod Williams are experienced hands on the defensive line.... while Donsay Hardeman and Dere Hicks bring experience to the table in the secondary.

To me the question will be how well the defense comes together by the time the Big Ten season is in full swing.

Questions do remain...How will Ian Thomas and Russell Ellington fare at the other linebacker spots...or is there someone else who might step up at that position?...Will there be someone else to emerge on the defensive line and be a factor (freshman DE Michael Buchanan?) Is the secondary deep enough for the grueling 12-game in 14 week schedule...against a lot of spread offenses? (Freshman receiver Terry Hawthorne got some looks there in practice in late August-with the injury to Miami Thomas)

I happen to think there will be some surprises on the defensive side of the ball...in a good way...but we shall see.

The schedule is very tough early...but if the Illini can get through it with a decent record and in good physical and mental shape...they could set themselves up for a nice run once mid-October gets here.

A couple of broadcast notes....Our "First Word" visits with Ron Zook on WDWS/WHMS start this Monday (Aug 31st) at 7:05 am (Lite Rock 97.5-Mike Haile) and at 7:15am (WDWS 1400--Stevie Jay)...so be listening for that. Those shows will be on each Monday of game week throughout the season (except bye weeks). If you cant hear the WDWS interview live...it will be available via podcast on IlliniHQ.com that day.

The first Ron Zook Radio Show airs this Thursday (Sept 3rd) at 7:05 on WDWS and the Illini Sports Network. Our first show is live with the Quarterback Club at Memorial Stadium. Your phone calls are welcome.

I will also be conducting a live chat on IlliniHQ.com starting this Thursday Sept 3rd...and on every Thursday throughout the Illini football and basketball seasons.

Steve Kelly, Kurt Kittner and I look forward to bringing you all the Illini action again this season on the Illini Sports Network!

See you on the radio!!!