CHAPEL HILL - Here are a few tidbits from Wednesday's post-practice availability.
*Larry Fedora was asked about shoring up some of the issues with the offensive line's run blocking against A&T on Saturday night. Fedora said Monday that three linemen graded out well but two did not. At the midpoint in preparation for Illinois, what have they done to move that group forward?
You'll love his answer.
"We have tried to inspire them nicely," he said, wearing a wry smile.
Does he think it's worked?
"I don't know, we'll see Saturday."
*Fedora said Wednesday that he can't recall a team he's coached against that Illinois reminds him of, he focused, as he has several times in the last few days, on the fact that they have scored 96 points and given up just 3 so far.
"I don't know who they resemble, here's what I'll tell you," Fedora responded. "They've scored 96 points in two games and they've allowed 3 points. Whoever that resembles I don't know, but that's pretty dang good."
*Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik said the defensive front made some progress in transitional pass rush but the group is still a long ways from becoming what he wants. The coach also said it's not an over-night thing, it's definitely a matter-of-time thing.
"I think so," Chizik said. "I'm really proud of them because they're trying. They're trying to absorb it, they're trying to o what we;re asking them to do, but breaking old habits is difficult. So, like he said, it's just a matter of continuing to do the same thing over and over and over again, because we're all just going to be a product of our habits."
*Chizik on Illinois: "First of all, really, really good scheme. They've got a lot of personnel groupings that will put pressure on you; very, very physical offensive line; great running back who's rushed for a lot of yards; he's a very good player; some really good receivers who have some height that can put some strains on you; and then the quarterback, if you give him time and he gets on rhythm, he can shred you defense. To date, no question this is the best offense we've faced."
*Sophomore defensive end Dajaun Drennon was asked hat stands out to him about what he'll be dealing with when Illinois visits Saturday.
"They look like they're a pretty big, tough team up front," Drennon said. "Sometimes they run a two tight end scheme - I don't want to tell them too much what my weakness is, I'll kind of keep that quiet. Illinois is a pretty big team, they're pretty solid and they like to run the ball."
*No new injury information today, everything is as we reported it yesterday. Obviously, that means no news on Joe Jackson, but it's safe to say UNC fans won't see him on the field any time soon.
*Larry Fedora was asked about shoring up some of the issues with the offensive line's run blocking against A&T on Saturday night. Fedora said Monday that three linemen graded out well but two did not. At the midpoint in preparation for Illinois, what have they done to move that group forward?
You'll love his answer.
"We have tried to inspire them nicely," he said, wearing a wry smile.
Does he think it's worked?
"I don't know, we'll see Saturday."
*Fedora said Wednesday that he can't recall a team he's coached against that Illinois reminds him of, he focused, as he has several times in the last few days, on the fact that they have scored 96 points and given up just 3 so far.
"I don't know who they resemble, here's what I'll tell you," Fedora responded. "They've scored 96 points in two games and they've allowed 3 points. Whoever that resembles I don't know, but that's pretty dang good."
*Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik said the defensive front made some progress in transitional pass rush but the group is still a long ways from becoming what he wants. The coach also said it's not an over-night thing, it's definitely a matter-of-time thing.
"I think so," Chizik said. "I'm really proud of them because they're trying. They're trying to absorb it, they're trying to o what we;re asking them to do, but breaking old habits is difficult. So, like he said, it's just a matter of continuing to do the same thing over and over and over again, because we're all just going to be a product of our habits."
*Chizik on Illinois: "First of all, really, really good scheme. They've got a lot of personnel groupings that will put pressure on you; very, very physical offensive line; great running back who's rushed for a lot of yards; he's a very good player; some really good receivers who have some height that can put some strains on you; and then the quarterback, if you give him time and he gets on rhythm, he can shred you defense. To date, no question this is the best offense we've faced."
*Sophomore defensive end Dajaun Drennon was asked hat stands out to him about what he'll be dealing with when Illinois visits Saturday.
"They look like they're a pretty big, tough team up front," Drennon said. "Sometimes they run a two tight end scheme - I don't want to tell them too much what my weakness is, I'll kind of keep that quiet. Illinois is a pretty big team, they're pretty solid and they like to run the ball."
*No new injury information today, everything is as we reported it yesterday. Obviously, that means no news on Joe Jackson, but it's safe to say UNC fans won't see him on the field any time soon.
