For Beutjer to succeed, Turner lays it on the line
September 13, 2002
The focus will be on quarterback Jon Beutjer in Illinois' home opener Saturday against Arkansas State (11 a.m., Ch. 7, 670-AM). But what happens up front will go a long way toward determining the Iowa transfer's success in his first start for the Illini.
Coach Ron Turner readily admits the offensive line hasn't lived up to expectations.
"With two new starters and Tony Pashos not getting as much work in training camp [because of a hamstring injury], that's hurting the communication more than I anticipated,'' Turner said. "Plus, the style of defenses we've played has been a factor. We've seen a ton of looks from extremely athletic defenses, and it's going to be no different this week. We're going to have to get it together up front in a hurry.''
Officially, center Duke Preston and left guard Dave Diehl are the only newcomers. But left tackle Sean Bubin and right guard Bucky Babcock, who started last season, still are growing into their roles. And the Illini have missed the leadership and experience of departed center Luke Butkus and guard Jay Kulaga, who were among the Big Ten's best blockers.
"It takes time,'' Babcock said. "We're still learning, but we have to grow up in front of the camera. It's not the best situation. But we're trying our best, and we're going to keep working.''
*Illinois officials, hoping to avoid a repeat of the congestion problems that frustrated Bears fans Sunday, are urging fans to be aware of the six new entry points at Memorial Stadium and use the one nearest their seat location. In another change, the pregame Illini Street Fest has been moved south of Kirby Avenue, which will be open for traffic this season.
September 13, 2002
The focus will be on quarterback Jon Beutjer in Illinois' home opener Saturday against Arkansas State (11 a.m., Ch. 7, 670-AM). But what happens up front will go a long way toward determining the Iowa transfer's success in his first start for the Illini.
Coach Ron Turner readily admits the offensive line hasn't lived up to expectations.
"With two new starters and Tony Pashos not getting as much work in training camp [because of a hamstring injury], that's hurting the communication more than I anticipated,'' Turner said. "Plus, the style of defenses we've played has been a factor. We've seen a ton of looks from extremely athletic defenses, and it's going to be no different this week. We're going to have to get it together up front in a hurry.''
Officially, center Duke Preston and left guard Dave Diehl are the only newcomers. But left tackle Sean Bubin and right guard Bucky Babcock, who started last season, still are growing into their roles. And the Illini have missed the leadership and experience of departed center Luke Butkus and guard Jay Kulaga, who were among the Big Ten's best blockers.
"It takes time,'' Babcock said. "We're still learning, but we have to grow up in front of the camera. It's not the best situation. But we're trying our best, and we're going to keep working.''
*Illinois officials, hoping to avoid a repeat of the congestion problems that frustrated Bears fans Sunday, are urging fans to be aware of the six new entry points at Memorial Stadium and use the one nearest their seat location. In another change, the pregame Illini Street Fest has been moved south of Kirby Avenue, which will be open for traffic this season.
