Yardbarker: Arrelious Benn

Penn State 35 ILLINOIS 17

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Saturday saw the Nittany Lions return to the win column at Illinois. They played their most complete game of the season and shook off the cobwebs from their Iowa loss.The first half was kind of bland, but the Lions really responded in the second half. It was just about an ideal bounce-back game.Daryll Clark looked like a completely different quarterback against the Fighting Illini. He was poised in the pocket and made things happen with his feet. There has been a reluctance by him and the coa...

Illinois Fighting Illini Preview By The Numbers

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:00:35 -0500

Penn State Value (Nat'l Rank) Value (Nat'l Rank) Illinois Fighting Illini Advantage Rushing Offense (ypg) 127.3 (80) 132.3 (59) Rushing Defense (ypg) Push Passing Offense (ypg) 247.5 (40) 253.7 (100) Passing Defense (ypg) Pass Efficiency 133.8 (52) 144.7 (102) Pass Efficiency Defense Total Offense (ypg) 373.8 (56) 386.0 (90) Total Defense (ypg) Scoring Offense (ppg) 25.0 (75) 280 (88) Sco...

Illinois is wasting Arrelious Benn

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:59:00 -0500

In junior Arrelious Benn, the Illinois Fighting Illini houses one of the most talented receivers in college football. Of course, you wouldn’t know that based on the way Ron Zook and quarterback Juice Williams waste Benn’s talent every week. Zook said this summer that the Illini needed to find more ways to get the ball into Benn’s [...]

No 13 Ohio State Buckeyes v Illinois

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:20:53 -0500

#13/11 Ohio State v Illinois

Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

Kickoff: 3:30

TV: ABC

The Buckeyes were #1 in the country when the Fighting Illini came into Columbus in November of 2007. The Buckeyes tasted defeat for the first time that season as the Illini shocked OSU 28-21. It’s been two years since the teams have faced off but the sting of that loss is still fresh in the minds of Buckeye Nation. The Illini are coming off a much needed early season bye week. Several key players sat out their last game and the week off allowed them to heal up. Illinois owns Ohio State in the ‘Shoe winning 4 of the last five and seven out of the last ten. It’s time to buck this trend.

OSU “O”

Quarterback Terrell Pryor continued to improve but still displayed poor decision making by throwing into traffic and getting picked off twice. I’m also a little worried about Pryor’s mechanics. He still doesn’t look confident in his arm and jumped or threw off his back foot more than once. He also tried to throw the ball too much. On a broken play, an athletic quarterback needs to tuck the ball and get the first down and not sort of think about throwing the ball. Be decisive. The Illinois defense hasn’t been world beaters but they are a disciplined unit and will find holes in the soft and squishy Buckeye offensive line. If the line does its job the Buckeyes will control the clock and win handily. If the offensive line continues its recent tradition of missed assignments, implosive effort and weak play, Pryor will be running for his life and the running backs won’t have a chance to move the ball. This is the start of Big Ten season and this unit better get its act together. The Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl are still in our future and Saturday kicks it all off.

OSU “D”

This defense is shaping up to be something special. Yes it was Toledo but anytime you get a shut out against a Division 1 team is an accomplishment. Toledo came into the game ranked the number one offense in the country and the Buckeye defense made them look silly. Illinois is coming off a bye week and it’s a good thing it happened so early. Quarterback Juice Williams was banged up in the second game of the season and had to sit out and watch backup Eddie McGee put up some good numbers. Along with Juice, the Illini have seen injuries across the board including wide receiver Arrelious Benn, running backs Dan Dufrene and Jason Ford, and linebacker Matez Wilson. All but Wilson are expected to play this Saturday. The defensive key to the game for the Buckeyes is to get to Juice and knock him out of his game. He’s a serious threat on the ground and if he gets into a throwing rhythm he can be unstoppable.

Summary

The Illinois offense sinks or swims depending on Juice Williams and with the way the Ohio State defense has played so far this season the edge has to go to the Buckeyes. As long as Ohio State doesn’t beat themselves they should be able to handle the Illini and bring the Illibuck back to Columbus.

Prediction: OSU 30 – Illini 17

Why OSU will win:

Terrell Pryor is maturing each game into a great quarterback.

Defense shuts down Juice.

Why OSU will lose:

The only way the Buckeyes lose this game is if they beat themselves with turnovers and a hurried offensive attack.

Bold prediction for the game:

The Illibuck is coming home to Columbus. Hopefully we won’t keep him in a bathtub again.

Crazy stat of the game:

The Illini own Ohio State in Columbus winning 7 of the last 10 games in Columbus.

Last time they met…

It’s been a few years but the memory of last time these two teams played still stings many Buckeye faithful. In 2007, Illinois defeated #1 ranked Ohio State in Columbus, 28-21.

Illini players to watch:

Senior QB #7 Juice Williams

Junior WR #9 Arrelious Benn

Sophomore RB #21 Jason Ford

Senior WR #16 Michael Hoomanawanui (I just like the name)

Junior WR #11 Jarred Fayson

Sophomore LB #38 Ian Thomas

Junior DB #20 Garrett Edwards

Illinois Fighting Illini Look to Bounce Back Against In-State Rival Red Birds

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:46:18 -0500

Last week was bad. After an entire offseason of talking about how good this iteration of the Illinois Fighting Illini would be, they opened the season not with a bang, but a whimper. Head Coach Ron Zook’s boys looked out of sorts, unprepared, and injuries to starting wide receiver Arrelious Benn and running back Daniel Dufrene certainly hurt Illinois’ cause, it was not the reason they got thumped 37-9. The team played a rebuilding Missouri team close for two quarters,...

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:48:00 -0500

Big Ten Football Previews – Part VIIEditor's Note: This is the seventh in a series of my annual summer Big Ten football previews. Check back often to see who’s next...Team: Illinois Fighting IlliniTidbits ... Illinois had more wins in 2007 than they did the previous four years combined. The last time the Illini went 5-7 following a BCS Bowl season they went 1-11 the year after...Past Predictions/Results:2008 Prediction / actual: 9-3, 5-3 (T-2nd), Capital One / 5-7, 3-5 (T-6th)2007 Predict...

Brandon Thorn’s 2010 NFL Mock Draft Round 1

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:53:11 -0500

Last updated: April 28, 2009

1. Seattle - QB Sam Bradford ~ Oklahoma = The Seahawks would need to go ahead and get their quarterback of the future with the first overall pick. Bradford might have been the top pick had he come out in 2009, so it’s pretty much safe to say he’s the frontrunner for #1 overall in 2010.

2. Cincinnati - DE Carlos Dunlap ~ Florida = At 6′6″ 290, Dunlap reminds many of Mario Williams coming out of college. He is just scratching the surface of his potential and in the SEC last year as a sophomore he posted 9.5 sacks & 13.5 TFL.

3. Detroit - S Eric Berry ~ Tennessee = Berry has been called the best safety prospect since S LaRon Landry and could be even better. He runs a sub 4.4 and was a 1st team All-American and SEC defensive player of the year as a sophomore. He also lead the nation in interceptions with seven.

4. Cleveland - OLB/DE Greg Hardy ~ Ole Miss = Cleveland could really need another pass rusher next season. Hardy is one of my top prospects heading into next season, he is an absolute terror off the edge, and is so athletic they line him up at wide receiver in the red zone.

5. Oakland - S Taylor Mays ~ USC = Al Davis won’t be able to pass up on this 6′3″ 230 freakish athlete who was timed at 4.32 at USC, did 26 reps of 225 and posted a 41 inch vertical. Imagine what he’ll do at next year’s combine.

6. Chiefs - WR Arrelious Benn ~ Illinois = I thought Kansas City should’ve taken WR Michael Crabtree to give Head Coach Todd Haley dual threats at receiver, so Benn is the next best thing and will enable the team to have a guy who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

7. Chicago - CB Trevard Lindley ~ Kentucky = The Bears are aging very quickly on defense and could use a corner with shutdown potential.

8. Tampa Bay - DT Gerald McCoy ~ Oklahoma = McCoy is the top defensive tackle prospect heading into next season and could’ve even been a top 20 pick this year.

9. Jacksonville - CB Joe Haden ~ Florida = Haden has been quoted as “the most conditioned player on the entire Gator team” and can almost bench 400 pounds at only 190 lbs. He also has a 38+ inch vertical and he’s 5′11″.

10. San Francisco - OLB Sergio Kindle ~ Texas = Kindle is one of the most talented linebackers to ever attend Texas and has been compared to LB Derrick Johnson. He may or may not slip because of a DUI that he got in 2007.

11. St. Louis - DE Everson Griffin ~ USC = In high school at 6′4″ 270, this guy ran a 4.46 40 yard dash which is just scary. As a freshman he became the first defensive lineman to start at USC in 21 years. He will be a junior next year.

12. Green Bay - OT Bryan Baluga ~ Iowa = A big (6′6″ 315) athletic guy who played guard as well as tackle.

13. Washington - DT Ndamukong Suh ~ Nebraska = An absolute monster in the middle, Suh last season became the first defensive lineman to lead the Cornhuskers in tackles since 1973. At 6′4″ 300 he has an amazing combination of strength and speed.

14. Arizona - WR Dez Bryant ~ Oklahoma State = Assuming the Cardinals are eventually going to get rid of WR Anquan Boldin and not grant him a rich contract, Bryant could come in and give them great playmaking ability. At 6′2″ 210 he has great size, and had 87 catches 1,480 yards, and 19 touchdowns last year as a sophomore.

15. Buffalo - TE Jermaine Gresham ~ Oklahoma = Gresham could’ve been a top 15 pick this year and I was very surprised he returned. At 6′6″ 261 he has incredible size, to go along with very good speed and a deep basketball background.

16. New York Jets - DT/NT Terrence Cody ~ Alabama = Current NT Kris Jenkins will be 31 after next season and has already had a list of injury problems. Cody is 6′5″ 365 lbs. and can dunk a basketball at his current weight. Not only that, he moves incredibly well and can absolutely manhandle people. A player who requires a double team every time.

17. Houston - OLB/DE Jerry Hughes ~ TCU = Hughes is the ideal fit for a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE. At 6′2″ 252, he will remind people of DE Robert Mathis and no one knows Mathis better than Houston.

18. San Diego - OT Ciron Black ~ LSU = Another potential franchise tackle in the NFL, Black almost declared for the draft last year but decided to stay for his senior season. At 6′5″ 320, Black has started 40 consecutive games for LSU and is a two time 2nd team All-SEC selection.

19. Miami - RB Jahvid Best ~ California = Best is one of the most electrifying players in the nation, similar to RB Noel Devine from West Virginia. He will find himself drafted in the 1st or 2nd round somewhere next year if he declares.

20. Denver - ILB Brandon Spikes ~ Florida = After a year of fill in duty ILB Andra Davis will need to be replaced. Spikes is an ideal fit in the 3-4 scheme because of his blitzing ability and underrated coverage skills.

21. Atlanta - OT Trent Williams ~ Oklahoma = Trent Williams is an extremely athletic, big (6′5″300) tackle who could play right or left for Atlanta.

22. Baltimore - OLB George Selvie ~ USF = Baltimore could add another 3-4 outside backer to give some insurance behind LB Terrell Suggs or start opposite him. Selvie is one of the most productive & consistent players in the nation.

23. Minnesota - QB Tim Tebow ~ Florida = The Vikings don’t have an answer at quarterback and would be lucky to get Tebow here. After having one of the greatest careers in college football history, Tebow will work on his mechanics and be a player any NFL general manager would want on their team.

24. New York Giants - ILB Rolando McClain ~ Alabama = LB Antonio Pierce isn’t getting any younger and McClain is a monster hitter who is 6′4″ 255 and was a 1st team All-SEC selection last year.

25. Indianapolis - CB Javier Arenas ~ Alabama = At 5′9″ 200 lbs., Arenas is built like a small house and not only is a solid cover guy, is one of the best return men in the nation.

26. Carolina - DT Marvin Austin ~ North Carolina = The Panthers aren’t strong at defensive tackle and Austin is another very athletic, talented defensive lineman to come out of UNC.

27. New Orleans - TE Rob Gronkowski ~ Arizona = I won’t be surprised if TE Jeremy Shockey wears out his welcome in New Orleans after another injury filled year. Gronkowski is one of the most talented tight ends in the entire country and is 6′6″ 265.

28. Dallas - WR Brandon LaFell ~ LSU = Getting rid of T.O. will prove to be a smart move, but his on the field production won’t be replaced by WR Patrick Crayton or WR Miles Austin. LaFell is a guy who could really come into his own this year and get drafted much higher.

29. Tennessee - RB Jonathan Dwyer ~ Georgia Tech = Tennessee could try and trade RB LenDale White as they were rumored to have been trying to do on draft day. The 6′0″ 235 lb ACC player of the year would be a great replacement.

30. Pittsburgh - S Major Wright ~ Florida = Wright could be the heir apparent to S Ryan Clark, teaming with all-pro S Troy Polamalu this would be a dynamic pair well into the future.

31. New England - C Kristofer O’Dowd ~ USC = The first freshman to start at center in USC history. O’Dowd is an imposing, powerful center who could really excel in the NFL right away.

32. Philadelphia - DE Greg Romeus ~ Pittsburgh = Philadelphia values the offensive and defensive line extremely high in the draft, so expect them to add depth here and take the best player.

Fringe 1st rounder’s - QB Colt McCoy, RB Joe McKnight, RB C.J. Spiller, RB LaGarrette Blount, WR Damien Williams, TE Dennis Pita, OT Adam Ulatowski, OT Sam Young, CB Ras-I Dowling, DT Lawrence Marsh, DE Eric Noorwood, OLB Sean Witherspoon, OLB Rennie Curran, S Earl Thomas

2010 NFL Draft: First Look

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:39:24 -0500

These are my top 3 prospects at each position for 2010. * indicates an underclassmen QB Sam Bradford*, Oklahoma Colt McCoy, Texas Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson Charles Scott, LSU LeGarrette Blount, Oregon WR Arrelious Benn*, Illinois Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma State Brandon LaFell, LSU TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Aaron Hernandez*, Florida Dennis Pitta, BYU OT Bryan Bulaga*, Iowa Trent Williams, Oklahoma Ciron Black, LSU C/OG Kristofer O’Dowd*, C, USC ...

A peek at 2009 part 2

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:12:25 -0500

As promised, Here is the continued look at Purdue?s 2009 schedule. I finished the first half with a fairly optimistic 4-2 record. Honestly, the only opponent that truly scares me in that first half of the season is Oregon. The second half here should also be interesting. We drop defending champ Penn State and an improving Iowa team to pick up disappointing Wisconsin and Illinois. To me, that is a huge plus.

October 17 vs. Ohio State (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten) ? The Buckeyes have yet to play their bowl game, so their assessment is a bit incomplete. It is hard to make a call because they haven?t had their normal amount of defections to the NFL announced. There will surely be some. Chris Wells would be stupid to return simply because he can get drafted and as a running back he only has so many years before the next guy comes along. If he can still be drafted highly after this season he should go. If he leaves, Ohio State will need someone to step forward and help Terelle Pryor in the running game.

Pryor is obviously a stud to build around, but I expect Ohio State to take a very slight step back simply because they will lose a good amount of talent. The passing game was pedestrian at best this year. Inexplicably, we played them close in Columbus. It was another game we probably could have won if not for our offensive struggles. Ohio State is still going to have a major talent advantage, but the series has been competitive for years. We should expect a loss, but if we can score a meaningful touchdown or two against them for the first time in five years it could get interesting. Prediction: Ohio State win by 10.

October 24 vs. Illinois (5-7, 3-5 Big Ten) ? Illinois is solidly going along the same path that it went down after its last BCS appearance. After going to the Sugar Bowl with Kurt Kittner in a breakthrough 2001 season, they followed it up with a 5-7 year. If that continues, they?ll be 1-11 in 2009 like they were in 2003. Illinois had one good win in 2008 against Iowa. To get better they have to have a better running game than Juice Williams. Juice?s passing numbers were better in 2008, but he still threw 16 interceptions. Only five players in Division 1-A had more picks, and all but two of those were guys with a significant number of more attempts than Williams. Illinois is merely average if they cannot run the ball. Arrelious Benn makes them a slightly more talented team than IU?s 2007 squad with Williams playing the role of Kellen Lewis and Benn as James Hardy.

The defense will need to improve as well, especially with top corner Vontae Davis off to the NFL. Good passing teams already had their way with the Illini. Even in games where teams abandoned the passing game like Ohio State did the Illini couldn?t stop the run. All the old problems that were supposed to have disappeared with the Rose Bowl team are back. There is little question the talent is better, but can that talent be coached? This is a game we need to win at home. Prediction: close Purdue win

October 31 at Wisconsin (7-6, 3-5 Big Ten) ? There is always one game that feels like Purdue should win, but we end up losing. That is what this one feels like. Wisconsin was hugely disappointing and appears to be slipping back. With them, you always know they are going to be a powering running team first with an upperclassman at quarterback. Dustin Sherer gave them stability late in the season, but he didn?t exactly set the world on fire. The running game loses P.J. Hill as one of many top Big Ten backs who will be off to the NFL, but Wisconsin always has good running backs. John Clay led them in rushing for the season anyway. He will be back.

Facing Illinois is much better than facing Penn State. Getting Wisconsin is better than playing Iowa. Still, I just don?t like our chances going to Camp Randall. Yes they nearly lost to a 1-AA team to finish the year, but I simply do not have a good feeling about this one. We likely could not have ordered an easier Big Ten road schedule. We have to go to the two teams we finished ahead of and the two weakest bowl teams. I just feel like this is the infamous ?nothing goes right? for us game like the Minnesota game was this year. Prediction: 7 point Purdue loss

November 7 at Michigan (3-9, 2-6 Big Ten) ? If we are ever going to win in Ann Arbor again this is the year. We were the only defense that couldn?t contain their ?attack? this season, so it worries me heading up there. Maybe coach Hope can change the attitude of the team. Tiller took several teams capable of winning into the Big House and each one got worked. The successful players that Michigan did have this season like Sam McGuffie are not happy in the program either. McGuffie has already transferred to Rice. Like us, they need a new defensive coordinator. Michigan fans are already accepting next year could be as rough. Incoming freshman Tate Forcier can run the spread better, but he is a true freshman.

This is absurd. YOU ARE MICHIGAN!!!!! Unlike other schools that won?t be mentioned, you have sustained success and still matter in the great realm of college football as a whole. You are giving the guy that just completed the worst season in school history a free pass? Are you kidding me? His ?revolutionary offense? was abysmally bad, and would be worse if you take away the Purdue game (still a loss). The fact they are Michigan gives them a chance in every game, but Rich Rodriguez is the most overrated coach in college football. Prediction: Purdue loss (we always lose at Michigan, and its especially frustrating that Toledo and Appy State don?t)

November 14 vs. Michigan State (9-4, 6-2 Big Ten) ? Michigan State did not impress me. The only reason we lost to them is because we handed them 14 points. Brian Hoyer was not a confident quarterback and losing a talent like Ringer will hurt. They must replace both players, and Kirk Cousins is the likely replacement at quarterback. Cousins got some time in the Ohio State game and did well, but he is still inexperienced. No one else even had 100 yards for the season rushing, so they must fill a large hole in the running game. That?s a lot of offense to replace.

I don?t know if the defense can do enough to keep this team afloat while the offense gets its feet wet. Michigan State was a good team, but they struggled mightily in games against great teams. Georgia, Ohio State, and Penn State had little trouble against them. Each opponent took away Ringer. The Spartans have not evolved to the point where they can beat you if you take away what they do best. Something will develop along that front in 2009, and if we can take that away we should win. Prediction: close Purdue win

November 21 at Indiana (3-9, 1-7 Big Ten) ? I was reading my summer preview of Indiana earlier this week and I see now how wrong I was in my assessment of the Hoosiers. Here is a particularly juicy gem:

Still, the similarities between Indiana right now and Purdue after the 1997 season are eerie. Both teams had just broken 13 year bowl droughts (against Oklahoma State no less). Indiana has the beginnings of a great offensive line like we had in 2000. They also have a singular talent at quarterback that can do everything. An improving defense is also a good step. I wouldn?t exactly make reservations for Pasadena in 2010 yet, but Indiana is better. They are on their way out of the Big Ten basement. At the very least, they are far from the same old Indiana everyone beats up on. They are now a dangerous team that is a threat every week.

That improving defense was awful even by Indiana?s lowly standards. Against 1-A opponents they kept teams under 34 points just twice. They lost six games by three touchdowns or more. I was right in that they were on their way out of the Big Ten basement. They are actually digging a deeper shelter as we speak. It?s more like a NORAD deep inside Cheyenne Mountain level of entrenchment. Just how bad was Indiana? They got beat up by two MAC teams and the Big Ten in one of its worst years. What?s worse, there is little reason for hope in Bloomington after they got drilled by us. I think even if 2009 is a total rebuilding year the Bucket will remain in West Lafayette. Prediction: comfortable Purdue win

Fianl Prediction: 7-5, 4-4 Big Ten) - And why is that not possible? I can see a number of ways it could be more. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame are shaky picks over us. An anonymous commenter to part 1 even drew the parallel I have been thinking about for some time. Why can't Joey Elliott be Billy Dicken for us? Theya re very similar right down to the fact they are both coming off of an injury in their senior seasons.

I saw enough in 2008 to know that a few minor fixes, a healthy offensive line chief among them, can lead to a big turnaround.

College Football Punchlines: Even Tim Tebow Thinks Colt McCoy is the Heisman Favorite

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:31:20 -0500

Even Tim Tebow thinks Colt McCoy is the Heisman front runner. (Miami Herald)

Illinois WR Arrelious Benn in blossoming in his sophomore season. (Post Dispatch)

How will Missouri play the rest of the season knowing that they have been all but eliminated from playing for the national championship? (Post Dispatch)

Florida State is a little banged up heading into their big game with Virginia Tech this weekend. (Miami Herald)

Big question: Who will replace Mt. Cody for the Crimson Tide? (Press Register)

Defensive in the Big 12 have certainly been reactive instead of proactive this season. (KC Star)

Oregon State AD Bob DeCarolis' name is in the hat to become the new AD at Indiana. (Indy Star)

Dustin Sherer will replace Allan Evridge at QB for Wisconsin. (Detroit Free Press)

Needless to say, Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly is none to impressed with the quality of his team's wins this season. (Cincy Enquirer)

Monday's With Saban: "Phillip Fulmer has been a good coach for a long time." (Press Register)

Camp Notes From Around The Big Ten

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:19:21 -0500

While everyone in the Buckeye State is concentrating on OSU football camp, here are some notes from camps around the conference: Illinois- The Illini camp did not open pleasantly as 4 players, including Ohio native Brian Gamble (WR), were missing from camp