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Chat Reel: Ron Turner

Former Bears assistant Ron Turner looks poised to turn around Illinois football. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

Illinois coach Ron Turner chatted with CNNSI.com users on August 14, 2000. A transcript of this chat follows:

CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining our chat with Illinois coach Ron Turner. Welcome coach Turner!
Ron Turner: No problem.

From Badger2000 in Madison, Wisc.: With the end-of-year run you had last season, how do you keep the momentum rolling not only through the beginning of this season, but all the way to another bowl?
Ron Turner: The big thing we're talking about is just take care of our business and focus on ourselves, not worry about the expectations, just really focus on ourselves, be the best we can be.

From Sean in St. Louis, Mo.: Coach Turner - Do you think that the Michigan game on the 23rd will be your biggest and toughest game of the season, based on last year's great game and being the Big Ten opener for both teams? Do you see a developing rivalry with the two schools forming?
Ron Turner: I think as a coach, we're always looking at the next game, and we've got three games before the Michigan game, that are going to be very tough and we've got to ready for them.

From Illini4ever in Urbana, Ill.: Coach: We have seen a few sportswriters' views at CNN/SI & The Sporting News, among others, surmise last season's accomplishments as a fluke saying Illinois won't sneak up on anyone this year, the defense is weak, etc. I know you say outside opinions really don't matter, but how much of this bungfodder do you use to motivate our team?
Ron Turner: If we can use something like that, like a lack of respect to motivate the team, we'll definitely advantage of it. Respect is something you're always fighting for.

From Sam in Louisville, Ky.: How is the practice facility coming along and can you speculate as to when we will get the new Astroplay turf for Memorial Stadium? Maybe next year? Also are you going to use any 4 wide receiver sets this year?
Ron Turner: Coming along great, it's on schedule, should be complete by November 1. We're not sure which surface we're going to go to yet, but we are going to replace the Astroturf after this season. We will do some of that, providing our receivers really come along.

From brucer: Everyone is talking about how losing Brandon Lloyd for the season will hurt our offense. Given the number of receivers Kittner threw a touchdown to last year, do you think it will effect our offense that much?
Ron Turner: It'll have some effect, because he's a great player. When you lose a great player, it has some effect, it's also an opportunity for other players to step up and make plays.

From Matthew Glenesk in Coral Springs, Fla.: Coach, With the injury to Brandon Lloyd, Walter Young has been switched to WR for the season. If Kurt Kittner should go down, your backups are a couple of redshirt freshmen in Dustin Ward and Christian Morton, does that sit well with you?
Ron Turner: Dustin Ward had a good spring, we're confident he could be a good, solid backup, and Walter Young is still working at quarterback, and if needed, he could still play quarterback.

From Jeff Balser in Columbus, Ohio: How do you see teams in the Big 10 preparing for Ohio State this year after their .500 season last year? Do you still see them as a threat?
Ron Turner: Definitely, I think Ohio State will be one of the teams in this conference, John Cooper is a great coach.

From Aaron Ellis: Ron, do you feel like we are getting to the point where we have a lock on the in-state recruits?
Ron Turner: No, we don't. We're trying to, but everybody comes in here and we have to keep trying to keep the in-state players to stay at home.

From Terren: With the current schedule format, we don't play Purdue this year - how do you think that will impact the race and the controversy it may create?
Ron Turner: I don't know. Every year you don't play two teams, so it's just how the schedule falls. Who knows how it will impact yet, until we get into the season.

From how: How good will Michigan be with Drew Henson at the helm? Is he going to make them an instant power both in the Big 10 and nationally?
Ron Turner: He will have a chance to. I think Michigan's a great team, and he's an outstanding quarterback, and they'll be one of the top teams in the country.

From Badger2000 in Madison, Wis.: Every season in the Big Ten, a preseason underdog surprises or a preseason favorite flops. Last year, the Illini definitely surprised. Who is your pick to surprise or flop this year?
Ron Turner: I don't have any idea, that's too tough to call. I think a lot of teams out there are capable of having a big year, and I think injuries play a big part in it.

From Marc Alexander in Champaign, Ill.: How big a role do you see Jamal Clark and Ade Adeyamo playing this season?
Ron Turner: So far, they're having a good camp, and it just depends on how they continue to progress.

From Jason in Sterling Heights, Mich.: Do you feel that the instant and sustained success of Purdue under Joe Tiller using a high powered passing attack in the usually grounded Big Ten has changed the philosophy of coaching in the Big Ten? Or does it at least give a glimmer of hope to the traditional non-powers (Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State, etc.) of being able to compete with the big boys?
Ron Turner: I think they bring a exciting offense to this conference, and I think people all around the country are becoming more open in their offensive style.

From Doug Miller in Toledo, Ohio: Can you repeat your feat of last year by beating both OSU and UM again?
Ron Turner: That's going to be very difficult, but that's what one of our goals is. They're both great programs, and to do that, we're going to have to play very well.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Illinois coach Ron Turner. Thanks for being with us Coach and good luck this season.
Ron Turner: My pleasure. Thank you very much.

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