There were a few tiny victories for Illinois Saturday, but none that count in the Big Ten standings. Ron Turner’s beleaguered little football team took another one in the skivvies, meaning the Illini haven’t won a game in 365 days . . . and counting.
Illinois never had a chance against No. 2-ranked Penn State. It might not have one until November, when the Illini, now losers of 11 consecutive games, travel to Indiana. Even then there are no guarantees.
“We are definitely better than where we were,” Turner said. “I think we are a better football team.”
In the baby-step world of Illini football, that will have to do for progress. Turner is stuck with a program thin on talent and high on frustration. With the exception of running back Robert Holcombe and linebackers Michael Young, David James and Danny Clark, the numbing reality is that Illinois probably doesn’t have anyone good enough to make Penn State’s two-deep depth chart. Maybe third.
Turner knew last December, shortly after accepting the Illinois job, how depleted the roster had become in the waning days of Lou Tepper’s tenure. He had watched cassette after cassette of tape, enough to see that the Illini weren’t big enough, physical enough, fast enough or experienced enough to compete in the nation’s best conference.
Turner got stuck with too many 198-pound weaklings. The Illini thought a barbell meant last call at the local pub, that a clean-and-jerk was a quick wash and Dennis Rodman.
Penn State showed Turner exactly how far Illinois needs to go before rejoining the Top 25. It is a trip that will take more than a tank of gas and another recruiting class.
Rosters rarely lie. Penn State has 11 freshmen and sophomores on its two-deep. Illinois has 26. Penn State has 13 senior starters. Illinois has seven.
“The experience we’re getting is invaluable,” Turner said. That’s a nice way to describe a lost season.
Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno, invoking his own personal mercy rule, began substituting freely midway through the third period. It might not help Penn State’s quest for the No. 1 ranking, but it was the right thing to do. And still a 21-point Nittany Lions lead grew by two more touchdowns.
“They just have to believe,” Paterno said after winning his 293rd game. “They need more consistent play at quarterback, more speed on the outside, but they block well and play tough defense.”
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Joe Pa was being charitable, which is more than you can say for Turner. Turner has a refreshing habit of saying exactly what’s on his mind. If his honesty offends, then tough.
Not long ago, Turner didn’t like the way quarterback Mark Hoekstra was running the offense, so he replaced him with redshirt freshman Tim Lavery and explained why in easy-to-understand terms. Turner didn’t think his senior cornerbacks deserved automatic starts against Penn State, so he waited until kickoff Saturday to name his secondary. And afterward, he criticized his defensive line and his place-kicker, among others.
Can’t take it? Leave.
Lavery blew some formation calls and failed to read some blitzes (more Turner honesty), but Illinois is a better team with him in the lineup than on the bench. The cornerbacks–Trevor Starghill and James Williams–struggled again, so expect a lineup change. As for the rest of it, only Holcombe continues to receive rave reviews.
“Like I’ve said before, I wouldn’t trade him for anybody,” Turner said.
Holcombe, who made Illinois history by rushing for more than 100 yards a fourth consecutive time, might be the only Illini player who could start for Penn State. Despite spraining his ankle, he gained 104 yards and accounted for the only Illinois score. Joe Pa noticed.
“I saw him after the game,” Paterno said, “and I told him he’s a great football player.”
This is Holcombe’s final season at Illinois. He will leave with the school’s career rushing record and quite possibly without a win during his senior year. He deserves better.
Strange as it might seem, Holcombe said he almost wishes he could stick around for a fifth season. You see, he has a feeling.
“I do believe in my heart that this is going to be a great football program,” Holcombe said.
It won’t happen this year. Or next year. But figure on 1999 as a breakthrough season.
I’m like Holcombe. I’ve got a feeling.