Sept. 22--CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois looked as if it would score on the opening drive Saturday when it marched down the field to the North Carolina 2-yard line. Then Geronimo Allison dropped a potential touchdown pass from Wes Lunt on fourth-and-2.
In the third quarter, Marchie Murdock dropped another pass in the end zone.
Those were the most memorable drops in the 48-14 loss to the Tar Heels, but they weren't the only ones. Illinois (2-1) dropped nine passes and now has 21 drops in three games, according to interim coach Bill Cubit.
"I've been at places where we haven't had 21 all season," Cubit said Monday at his weekly news conference. "We're all frustrated by the drops. It just takes some accountability to get it done."
The Illini will try to solve the slippery issue before Saturday's home game against Middle Tennessee State (2-1), the last game before Big Ten play commences.
The drops, Cubit said, can be blamed mainly on technique issues. They aren't limited to one or two receivers either.
"It's a community effort," he said. "Sometimes guys want to make the play so much and they take their eyes off. We did a study one time, and 95 percent of the balls are dropped because you take your eyes off."
Like with the putting "yips" in golf or a baseball player who keeps striking out on curveballs, Cubit said he takes a cautious approach with the receivers so the problem isn't exacerbated as a mental issue.
Players will work individually this week with receivers coach Mike Bellamy and other coaches, Cubit said. Murdock said he expected to catch 100 balls after practice.
"If you become negative -- 'Catch the ball' -- well, no kidding," Cubit said. "How do I catch the ball? What am I doing wrong? That's what we have to reinforce. The positive reinforcement and positive thoughts, that's the way we have to go."
In the absence of injured receivers Mikey Dudek and Justin Hardee, younger players have been tasked with filling the void.
The Illini also suffered nine drops in the opening victory against Kent State. Murdock said he and his fellow receivers expect to fix the problem.
"We know we have to get the dropped passes fixed," he said. "I don't think it's a hard thing to correct."
Extra points: Tight end Tyler White will miss Saturday's game after suffering a concussion against North Carolina. ... Cubit said Hardee is getting close to returning from a foot injury but will not play against Middle Tennessee. ... After missing the first three games for violating unspecified team rules, defensive tackle Joe Fotu and safety Caleb Day will return Saturday.
sryan@tribpub.com
