ASU’s evil Sparky.

I stayed up late for that? After last week’s win gave us high hopes for the season, last night’s ugly loss put us back at square one. Which team is the one we will see next week, and the week after that? Was the 24-7 win against Western Michigan last week only due to WMU’s incompetence on the field, or do the Illini really have skills?

Time will only tell. The season clearly won’t start off like last year’s 6-0, but as long as it doesn’t end with 6 losses then I will be happy.

Nathan Scheelhaase ended up watching the game on the sidelines, and wore headphones that made me wonder who was actually calling the game. It would’ve been nice to have him in, but I don’t think it would’ve really made that much of a difference. The offense wasn’t on fire, but it was the defense that failed at their job, giving up 45 points. Going into halftime with a score of 28-7 doesn’t feel good, and it only got worse.

Reilly O’Toole did most of the QB work in Scheelhaase’s place, with Miles Osei also contributing. Well, contributing 2 interceptions that is. Osei seemed to look a little better, but O’Toole was able to at least score one TD in the 3rd when he passed the ball to Eddie Viliunas. O’Toole was 10-14 and passed for just 54 yards, while Osei was 4-10 and passed 47 yards.

So the offense was rough, and the defense was nonexistent. ASU also played two QBs, but only so the other guy could get some minutes as the slaughter continued. Taylor Kelly, whose first start ever for ASU was last week, threw for 249 yards and 1 TD. The backup? Michael Eubanks threw 5-5 for 69 yards and 2 TDs. That’s right, the backup QB made just 5 attempts and completed all of them, and threw for more yards than either of our QBs. That’s sort of the epitome of what went on last night.

Losing last night was a very real possibility. The Sun Devils were the favorites, but by 3 points, not 31. Losing stings, but losing by that much is a punch in the gut and a kick in the face. The key now is to see how Coach Tim Beckman can help the guys brush of this ugliness and move on to the next.

Next week Illinois will get to return home to what should be a simple game against Charleston Southern. In my opinion, Scheelhaase should sit out one more game just to make sure he’s fully recovered before we have to face another real opponent (which won’t be until Penn State on Sept. 29, if you can really consider them a real opponent anymore).

I’m disappointed, sure. And, I’m also pretty embarrassed. On the bright side, the game was on so late that no one probably watched it. Also, who knows ASU might actually be pretty good this year and go on to do big things in the Pac 12 and then the loss isn’t so ugly. However, last year we barely scraped by with a win against the Sun Devils, who also went on to implode in a similar fashion, which is why both teams had new coaches last night.

Let’s just sort of pretend last night didn’t happen, unless of course we decide to actually learn from the loss. That would be nice as well. The season is very young and this is still a brand new team with a fresh new outlook under the Beckman Era. Losses are going to happen, and I can’t wait to see how he and the team respond.

I am also excited to attend my first game of the season next week! Illinois will host Charleston Southern in Champaign at 11pm Central.

The Ron Zook “Reign of Terror” is over, and a new era Beck-ons in Champaign. We are just a little over a week away from the opening of the Illinois football season, so let’s talk about what to expect.

We are all very excited to have a new head coach in charge, and Tim Beckman certainly has the energy and devotion to make it work. However, there is still a coaching transition, so let’s keep these expectation in check, shall we?

Things to Smile About

On the plus side, this is the first time we’ve gone into a season after back-to-back winning seasons in 1989 and 1990. Also, we are the only Big Ten team to have won two bowl games in a row.

Yes, I know those bowl games were the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl and the Texas Bowl – but bowls are bowls and wins are wins, right? This means we have talent, and now perhaps we’ve got someone to harness that talent.

Some key guys coming back are QB Nathan Scheelhaase, LB Jonathan Brown and CB Terry Hawthorne. Scheelhaase had a bit of a tough year last year (well, most players did aside from Whitney Mercilus), but a junior quarterback is always a nice thing to have. Brown also had a strong year, and now he’s going to have to work even harder to step into those Mercilus shoes. In all 16 starters are coming back (7 offense, 8 defense).

Miles Osei is going to be doing everything except tossing cheerleaders on the sidelines, and sources are saying that our most improved area is on the special teams. There is even a competition for kicker.

Coach Tim Beckman; Photo by Cary Frye

In addition to Becks at the helm, we’ve got a great supporting cast in guys like Billy Gonzalez and football royalty Luke Butkus. Not to mention that there is no one around to call bad plays or forget how much time is on the clock (ahem Zook). There has always been a lot of hush hush talk about the way the players really feel about Zook, but now that he’s gone more people have been opening up.

A former Illini with a Super Bowl ring who shall remain nameless (hint: last name starts with weather and ends with a type of car made in the U.S. that rhymes with Lord) pretty much openly called Zook an asshole on the radio.

Perhaps Beckman and his staff can keep the talent calm and in check so they can do what they are supposed to do.

Things to Worry About

On the negative side, we lost the last six games of the season last year. The fact that they rallied to win the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA might’ve been an indication that Coach Ron Zook was the problem (he was fired weeks before the game), but then again the interim coach that led them to the win – Vic Koenning – has also jumped ship when he wasn’t given any credit or a real offer to stay.

Also, we’ve lost Mercilus, and top receiver A.J. Jenkins. You know who we’re not going to miss? Mr. Jason run-down-the-center-two-inches-at-a-time-Ford.

Last year it was offense that was the problem, with the defense carrying the team most of the time.

Our biggest issue this season might be depth, especially on offense. There isn’t a lot of depth at WR, but there is some talent, starting with Jon Davis. Donovonn Young should be fine at RB, but not sure who else will be there. The new system is supposed to take care of the depth issues, but guys are going to get tired, and injured.

One of the keys to the transition is that the returning guys need to buy into Coach Beckman’s new system, and according to the rumors this is what’s happening. However, we’re not really going to see if this is happening until they get onto the field starting Sept. 1.

A Look at the Season

That first game against Western Michigan is going to tell us a whole lot. It’s a much different start than we’re used to of late, as our contract with Missouri has FINALLY run out. That means no more guaranteed loss in game one anymore! While Western Michigan is a much easier opponent, it is by no means a cake walk. It is a team that a talented Illini should beat, but we are an unsure football squad that has a lot to prove. If they win against Western Michigan, then that will set the tone for the season, which could be another winner.

Up next is Arizona State on Sept. 8, which could also go either way. They’re giant QB Brock Osweiler has gone to the NFL, and scary bully Vontaze Burfict is also out of the picture. However, it’s a road game against a Pac Ten opponent, so it could be a rough stretch. A win against WMU could give the Illini the confidence to beat the Sun Devils as well.

After that, we’ve got two easy wins at home with Charleston Southern (Sept. 15) and Louisiana Tech (Sept. 22). It is impossible to believe Penn State (Sept. 29) will have a chance at doing anything this year, but Bill O’Brien has coached a Super Bowl team and Tom Brady, which he reminds us often. This could be another, giving us the potential to start off 5-0. But then things take a bit of a turn.

Out with the Zook and in with the Beckman.

Go ahead and check the next two games at Wisconsin (Oct. 6) then at Michigan (Oct. 13) as losses, and then the Illini return home, rest for a week, and then beat up and embarrass Indiana (Oct. 27) and Kevin Wilson at home. We’ll get another loss at Ohio State (Nov. 3), and then things get interesting again.

Minnesota at home (Nov. 10) is certainly winable, which could secure the team’s 7th win. Then Purdue the next weekend on Nov. 17 could also give the Illini another W no the board. Rounding out the season is Northwestern in Evanston (Nov. 24), which is another big question mark that could go either way.

The way I see it, Illinois should have another winning season. If they win the games that will take effort but can be done (Western Michigan, ASU, Penn State) and then get those question marks taken care of (Purdue, Minnesota) then we should have some satisfied fans. However, is merely a winning going to be enough? I think AD Mike Thomas would say “not a chance.” So no pressure Tim Beckman, but Mike Thomas doesn’ t like to lose.

Beckman may not be a favorite in the league due to his unabashed admission that he has no problem pinching Penn State transfers (welcome Ryan Nowicki!) but he is on the up-and-up and that’s all I care about. The key is how the players respond, and that’s what we have to wait and see.

Beckman at the Big Ten Football Media Day; Photo by Reid Compton of US PRESSWIRE

Of all the coaches, it was new Illini coach Tim Beckman who was the most excited to be present at today’s Big Ten Football Media Day in Chicago. Clad in a fantastic orange tie, Beckman’s enthusiasm was contagious as he addressed the media and exclaimed how honored he is to be the head coach of the University of Illinois. He also went ahead and addressed the Penn State situation head on before anyone had a chance to ask.

Overall, the question of pinching players from Penn State was a hot topic, and Tim Beckman made sure that everyone knew that he had not in fact been on the Penn State campus recruiting. Oh, he was in Happy Valley and talked to a couple of players, but he was not on the campus.

On that topic, each coach had a different response. Some said they would in no way shape or form be looking into PSU players (Urban Meyer) while others seemed pretty open to the idea of grabbing some good players that are available (Beckman, Danny Hope). Those players that want to leave are going to go somewhere, so why not to your B1G school? The rules are the rules, so I don’t really see anything wrong with speaking to players who are interested in leaving.

Back to Beckman, he had a lot to say without actually really saying much, and he did it with a ton of energy. He’s excited about the 19 seniors, and having those 19 seniors return for one more year of football. Did I mention there are 19 of them?

In response to a question regarding last season’s epic fail of losing the last six games, Beckman said that he focuses on good old fashioned competition to get morale up and prepare the guys for the upcoming season.

“I think we had 15 outstanding days of Spring,” he said. “Going over competing and playing the first play as if we played the last play and playing at a tempo that we believe is going to be the Illini tempo and being a finisher by competing.”

Four Illini were drafted last year, but obviously that didn’t mean that last year’s team was any good. In addressing the question of how to translate a draft win into actual football wins, Beckman pointed out that four other guys checked on their draft stock, and decided to come back. Michael Buchanan, Graham Pocic, Terry Hawthorne and Akeem Spence all decided to return, though Beckman didn’t exactly say how that’s going to transform into wins.

While all positions are up for grabs, if the season started right now Nathan Scheelhaase will be the starting quarterback. However, this could change. “Quarterback-wise and defensive back-wise, it’s all going to be the same. We’re going to compete and make our determination on who is going to be that starter based on practice,” he said.

Beckman addressed the major concern for everyone: the offensive line. The plan is for a dual offense next year, with two running backs in the game at times, and also two quarterbacks when Miles Osei lines up as a running back. “It’s a commitment that our offensive staff has made to running the football and we’ve got to establish the run first for us to be successful,” he said. “So the challenge will be on the offensive line to provide for [Donovonn] Young and [Josh] Ferguson and hopefully some of the young freshmen to step in and play.”

On the topic of Northwestern, Beckman acknowledged that he is fueling the rivalry, and referred to them as the “Team Upstate.” Later, Pat Fitzgerald said he wasn’t paying attention to Beckman and the “Team in Champaign,” as he is focusing on his own team instead.

Even though Beckman addressed the PSU topic from the start, it still came up again. Rumors were swirling about Illini coaches swarming the Penn State campus this week, and that’s why the questions were flying. Beckman again admitted he was in Happy Valley, but not on campus. He doesn’t feel bad about reaching out, because he’s following the rules. There are players he’s got his eye on, and he informed Penn State as such before even arriving.

With only four teams in the Leaders division eligible to go the Championship game, Beckman certainly wants to get Illinois to that game, but he realizes there are going to be many obstacles along the way.

“We have a challenge, there’s no question about it, because of our away football games, playing in Camp Randall and playing at the Big House and playing in The Shoe, are three big places to play in this conference,” he said. “And being on the road for those three challenges are definitely going to be the challenges on the road. You’ve still got to win your Big Ten football games to give yourself that opportunity to get in that championship on 12-1-12 in Indianapolis.”

Beckman also mentioned that today is his mother Pat’s birthday, and I hope she has a lovely celebration with her son today.

Tim Beckman could be the first of many new coaches for Illinois; Photo by Cary Frye

The Big Ten Spring football games are right around the corner, which means it’s time for coaches and players to face the media music and give us a heads up as to what to expect.

The Ohio State folks spent most of the time talking about the “greatest sports rivalry” in the universe, and then described John Simon as Tebow-ish. Then I realized that my cel does not have unlimited minutes and so maybe I should hang up and call back to listen to my guys at the end of the call.

After listening to the awkward silence that prevailed when no one had any questions for the Purdue defensive tackle, Nathan Scheelhaase (gotta get back in the habit of spelling that) got on the call to discuss my main focus: Illinois football!

According to Scheelhaase, Spring ball is going really well, but let’s be honest, would anyone really say anything different. Despite the changes, Coach Beckman and the others have been doing a good job of getting to know the guys on and off the field, making the transition as smooth as possible.

As for the competition biting at his ankles in sophomore (next year) Reilly O’Toole and junior Miles Osei, Scheelhaase doesn’t seem too nervous.  “People saw we could use two quarterbacks at the end of last season,” said Scheelhaase. “Coach Beckman has respect for what I’ve done and how much I’ve played.” While he said everyone gets a fair opportunity, it seems like Scheelhaase is getting the most practice in, and Beckman said it’s his job to lose. “It’s not about winning or losing the job, but impressing them with what you can do,” Scheelhaase said. “The coaches will put the right people on the field.”

On the whole, Scheelhaase feels like the team has gotten better. Some changes you’ll see from Beckman is a speedier offense, which keeps the defense on their toes.

As for Coach Beckman, my eardrums nearly burst when he got on the phone, but he settled down a tad. He’s excited for the spring game and proud of the way the guys have responded. For defense, he plans to build around the guys that are still around that were successful before. “Anytime you get playmakers coming back, you have to utilize what they’ve done and enhance it as much as you can,” said Beckman, mentioning Spencer Harris, Tim Kynard and Michael Buchanan.

As for the QB debate, it seems that Beckman is pro Scheelhaase, but pleased with the other guys. He noted that one thing you can’t see on the tape is what great leaders all three of them are. Osei has been doing some work as WR and tailback, which he feels is a testament to his athleticism.

Coming into a new program, the focus for Beckman was on building trust. “We needed to build trust to build a successful program to believe in each other,” he said. “These players understand their role of making it the best that they can make it.”

The Spring game will take place on Saturday at 2pm, and will be streamed live on both BTN2Go and The Big Ten Digital Network.