Carpet and Red Raider, a very greedy request.

[Krichinsky]

I started breaking down the college conferences/matchups this
weekend. I don't know anyone that provides better insight
than you two do on your favorite teams and their conferences.
I follow Big 10 and SEC networks, but I've learned more here from
you, so my greedy request is that you give us/me an update on
how you see things shaping up.
Early look, I see the Illini at 10-2 and Bama the same pending at LSU.

Thanks.

[Krichinsky]

RR, know you just posted on this. Just curious on your thoughts
on the other teams after the big three.

[red raider 84]

Krichinsky, I for one certainly respect your opinion.. To be honest I have been in somewhat of a fog as of late and the jokes roll in because of it. Alabama is my team and I guess I short them some just not to be disappointed. When you look at it Arkansas certainly has a shot in the west and I really the East to be much stronger than last year. I think the West totally abused them head to head last year. I don't think that will happen this year. I however think the East is wide open. Florida will have one of the best defenses in the SEC if not he best..

[red raider 84]

That being said LSU man were they not super loaded on defense and still are to a certain extent. The losses in the secondary should hurt them but if I am being honest, they remind me of Bama on defense last year and may be better on the Defensive line then they were especially at the ends..

[red raider 84]

I would like your take on both conferences and I won't for one minute laugh or disagree.. I know your record and your not only a friend on this site but one whom I respect..

[Carpet]

Krinch great questions and I will be happy to give you my thoughts on Illinois.

New Head Coach that hails from Toledo named Beckman has arrived. He is all about competition at every aspect of teaching the game. Coach Zook did not leave the cup board empty when he was fired. Beckman has a lot to work with talent wise.

The strength of Illinois this year will be on Defense and they are stacked, some say this could be the best defense Illinois has ever had.

On offense Illinois want's to open the game up with a spread offense. I am not sure how that will play out for them, The offensive line is paper thin.

[Carpet]

One thing that keeps showing up time and time again in training camp is the strength of this defense for Illinois. Look for that in your capping.

Special Teams was ranked dead last in the nation last year and Coach Beckman and his squad has made this priority one to fix it. It involves using his starters always a risky move.

The spread offense that Beckman has dialed up works very well into the wheel house of the stud sheelhause Illinois has at QB.

Illinois has won two bowl games back to back, could be the first time ever in school history and there is some hype. I saw the opening line for the 1st game and felt it was way over blown .