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Some lines from this column -- Illini really get good coverage over in Champaign..
the direct comments about message boards is from Weber..
We've got people buzzing again," says senior Mike Davis. "But
we've got to live up to peoples' expectations."
Weber's critics have done a turnabout, too. In previous years the catcallers
said he could coach but couldn't recruit.
You can't keep people satisfied. You've just got to do your job the best you
can and try to at least enjoy life a little bit."
Weber says he doesn't worry about the message-board critics and talking
heads who question his ability. Assistant coaches and the sports information
staff will pass along what is written or said, if they feel he should see it.
The nervous reaction that followed two exhibition games also showed this
Illinois team will play under a microscope. Every coaching decision, every
loss, every narrow win will be analyzed and overanalyzed, even.
So, yes, there's pressure on these Illini. They haven't won enough. And
Weber feels it.
"Obviously when everything doesn't go perfect it's not easy going to the
grocery store, because of your position," he said. "(Retired referee) Jim Bain
asked me, 'Do you go to a restaurant after games?' He said, 'Not even after
wins?' I said no. After wins I want to have some relaxation. After losses I
don't want to see anyone.
"People overall are pretty good. I think the worst people are the Internet
people that have no face to an opinion. Or the call-in radio guys that have a
voice and no face," he says. "So they can say whatever they want. I'll be
honest, I don't pay attention to any of that."
the direct comments about message boards is from Weber..
We've got people buzzing again," says senior Mike Davis. "But
we've got to live up to peoples' expectations."
Weber's critics have done a turnabout, too. In previous years the catcallers
said he could coach but couldn't recruit.
You can't keep people satisfied. You've just got to do your job the best you
can and try to at least enjoy life a little bit."
Weber says he doesn't worry about the message-board critics and talking
heads who question his ability. Assistant coaches and the sports information
staff will pass along what is written or said, if they feel he should see it.
The nervous reaction that followed two exhibition games also showed this
Illinois team will play under a microscope. Every coaching decision, every
loss, every narrow win will be analyzed and overanalyzed, even.
So, yes, there's pressure on these Illini. They haven't won enough. And
Weber feels it.
"Obviously when everything doesn't go perfect it's not easy going to the
grocery store, because of your position," he said. "(Retired referee) Jim Bain
asked me, 'Do you go to a restaurant after games?' He said, 'Not even after
wins?' I said no. After wins I want to have some relaxation. After losses I
don't want to see anyone.
"People overall are pretty good. I think the worst people are the Internet
people that have no face to an opinion. Or the call-in radio guys that have a
voice and no face," he says. "So they can say whatever they want. I'll be
honest, I don't pay attention to any of that."
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