Chats

What does the return of Mike Bellamy mean for the Illinois offense? What impact will Lou Hernandez have in the weight room? How soon will Illinois hear about Luke Ford's waiver request?

For the answers to these questions, and anything else onyour mind, check in with our longtime Ililnois football beat writer.

The argument can be made Illinois is currently the hottest team in the Big Ten, although Monday's game at Wisconsin has the potential — given the Badgers' track record of late against the Illini — to squelch that fire. Still, Brad Underwood's second team is surging at the right time of the season with just five games left in the regular season after Monday's showdown with the Badgers.

What will the return of Mike Bellamny mean for the Illinois staff? Who will the school hire to work with the offensive linemen? Are there any other coaches thinking about leaving?

For the answers to these questions, and anything else on your mind, check in with our longtime Illinois football beat writer.

Illinois has won three straight games (and four of its last five), and the Illini have done so by playing their best basketball of the season. Those wins, though, all came at home. Three of Illinois' next four games are on the road, including Thursday at Ohio State. Can the Illini keep their winning ways going? Who's next to have a breakout performance?

Who will replace Luke Butkus as Illinois offensive line coach? Who will work with the running backs? How many more players will Lovie Smith add before training camp starts?

For the answers to these questions, and anything else on your mind, check in with our longtime Illinois football beat writer.

Illinois is right in the middle of its three-game homestand as our weekly chat returns to its regular 12:30 p.m. Wednesday time slot. Will the Illini have consecutive wins at that point following Tuesday's showdown with No. 9 Michigan State? Does Kipper Nichols have another breakthrough performance in him?

What will Thad Ward's departure mean for the Illinois football program? Who will be the next Mayor of Littyville? Will Illinois add any surprise recruits on Wednesday?

For the answers to these questions, and anything else on your mind, check in with our longtime Illinois beat writer.

This week's chat will happen as long as our beat writer doesn't turn into a human popsicle in Minneapolis. Wednesday's game (and travel), though, means pushing back the weekly Q&A with Scott Richey to 4 p.m. Friday. That game is an important one for Illinois. Can the Illini build off the momentum of a big win this time?

What happened with Larry Boyd at Illinois? Which quarterback has the best chance to start the spring No. 1? When will Illinois name a defensive coordinator?

For the answers to these questions, and anything else on your mind, check in with our longtime Illinois football beat writer.