[NU Sports] I see an 8th Bowl spot slipping away...

[WildElk2 at aol.com]

First of all, my beloved Cats pleasantly surprised me, as I  forecasted a 
loss vs. Indiana, after predicting a win vs. Iowa.
  I agree with Jonathon Hodge's assessment that any talk about a "year  in 
review" should be shelved until the appropriate time.  The only team  that 
handed us our ass was OSU, and I doubt that will be in vogue this  weekend.  I 
predict a tense, nail-biting affair.  
   Let's look at Illinois.  We did a commendable job  defensing Hart, so we 
have it in us to slow down their running game.  I  know it will come at a cost, 
and Alan A. made a good point; will they  repetitively throw deep?  Fact is, 
when Iowa cut their usual rushing  yardage in half,  it got them out of their 
element.  We contained  Lewis, and he had an NFL receiver to throw to (Hardy). 
 But as we know,  Indiana couldn't run the ball, Illinois can.
   On Illinois's web site,  even by their own admission they  have a bend, 
but don't break defense.   If we can pop a couple of TD's  early and get them 
out of doing what they do best; running the ball, we can get  Juice to beat us 
with his arm, which he won't.  Keep in mind, Juice has  been benched this 
season.
   One thing I need to get off my chest.  Ron Zook has done  a terrific job 
in getting a traditionally losing program up and running.   Unlike Ron Turner, 
who was a classless dolt, he's done it with enthusiasm and an  unwavering 
belief that he and his coaches would get things turned around.   It saddens me 
that on this list there have been questions concerning the  legitimacy of his 
recruiting techniques.  Where did you read that, from the  Jaybird at the 
Sun-Times?  He's done a helluva job; give the man his  props.  Remember, in Zook's 
first season, his good friend Randy Walker told  him to "enjoy these days."  
(2005)  Didn't Zook speak at RW's  funeral?  Zook's worked hard to get his team 
up fron the bottom of the  conference; don't fault him for it.
 
                  GO  CATS!!!               Eric
   
   



************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com