Illini News

With the start of the NBA Preseason, we are looking forward to not only another great year from established former Illini Deron Williams, and Luther Head, but also couple of Illini who are trying to make NBA Rosters.

Dee Brown has signed with the Washington Wizards, and with Agent Zero being injured for the start of the season, it looks like he will get some playing time. In his first pre-season game last night Dee's line was: 3-8 for 6 points, 3 reb, 4 assists, and 3 steals in 26 minutes.

Roger Powell is in camp with our beloved Bulls. Their first game is Thursday night. Check back with Durty Butter for updates.

Illini Football: After starting out a little sluggish, the Illini outscored Michigan 42-6 to finish off Michigan and Dick Rod. Juice Williams had 430 yards and 4 touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing). While Juice was not as accurate as most people would like, his passing was probably the best that we at Durty Butter have seen from him. Here are a few keys to look for in future games.

1) Juice threw the ball away at least 5 times. In the past, Juice would have tried to force passes into covered receivers and possibly throw INT's, in this game, or would have taken off running. Teams know what Juice can do with his legs, so when he gets out of the pocket, you will see someone spying him, so instead of taking a pounding for minimal yards, Juice is getting rid of the ball.

2) Juice is going through his progressions. The play before Dufrene's touchdown catch, Juice looked off the safety with Cumberland running a post and threw down the sideline to Jason Ford, which Ford could not haul in. On Dufrene's touchdown, the play was actually a double screen, but instead of throwing to AJ Jenkins on the right, Juice hit Dufrene out of the backfield. He is also being much more patient waiting for Rejus to come free on crossing routes.

3) Rejus in the Backfield. Illinois instead of running straight option with Rejus in the backfield, they threw to him early. This matched him up on a linebacker, and a safety had to come over and make the tackle. Look for the Illini to run play-action with Rejus in the backfield and to throw to him more out of the backfield.

4) D-Line and secondary are getting better. Having a healthy D-line and Secondary are finally starting to show, with the Illini planting Michigan's QB a number of times. Add to this Britt Miller blitzing well and things should pick up on defense.

5) Daniel Dufrene has stepped up. Through 5 games this year Dufrene has 74 carries for 442 yards rushing and 140 yards receiving. A year ago through 5 games Rashard Mendenhall had 95 carries for 612 yards and 140 yards receiving. Those numbers include 214 yards against Indiana. Daniel has yet to face some of the weaker run defenses in the Big Ten. He has shown that he has big play capability running and receiving and also can pick up blitzers in the backfield.

With the offense picking up steam, here is a scary thought: Will Judson is the only skill position player that graduates this year! We do lose 3 lineman this year however, yet Zook and Co. have done a good job recruiting the last 2 years at OL.

This weekend is going to be a big test for the Illini defense, especially the secondary. Since the Illini mainly run zone coverages, you are not going to see Vontae Davis matched up with Eric Decker all day long, but in order to keep Decker who is the leading receiver in college football in check, the secondary will have to play well, and the d-line will have to continue to get pressure. Offensively look for the illini running backs to have a better day than they did in Michigan, and lots of play-action passing.

Durty Butter Prediction: Illini 38 Minnesota 24

Illini Reads

Zook about the team
http://www.pjstar.com/sports_college/x676814217/Its-time-to-shine-big-time

A lot about Juice
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2008/10/07/columnists/tupper/1036096.txt

Q&A with David Lindquist, Illini senior DT
http://fightingillini.cstv.com/chat/100608aaa.html