Breaking Down the Unbeatens: Real Deal and the Frauds

beaboutillini74 · Dec 4, 2012, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

To be comfortably in, yes. Win there and/or @Purdue. Or any other road game.

I feel that Purdue is a very winnable game this year. I think it plays in Illinois favor to play them the first game of the season on the road. If we can keep DJ Byrd under control I think we will win. If he is on fire from three we will have trouble. He has always been a pain in the butt against Illinois. I think this year Purdue is alot younger team and alot more is going to be expected of Byrd. In the game against Xavier the other day they didn't make a single three and it cost them the game at home. I don't know how many Byrd took but he had several. Inyears past with a veteran team it has been harder to contain him but I dont think it will be the case this year.

JoeJ · Dec 4, 2012, 05:42 AM

Think we should have made the jury is still out list. Certainly most of us are more hopeful than a month ago, and we certainly look darn good so far. Could not have won more games. The jury does not render a verdict until March. At this point I'm buying.
GO ILLINI!

Kramer116 · Dec 4, 2012, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaboutillini74

I feel that Purdue is a very winnable game this year. I think it plays in Illinois favor to play them the first game of the season on the road. If we can keep DJ Byrd under control I think we will win. If he is on fire from three we will have trouble. He has always been a pain in the butt against Illinois. I think this year Purdue is alot younger team and alot more is going to be expected of Byrd. In the game against Xavier the other day they didn't make a single three and it cost them the game at home. I don't know how many Byrd took but he had several. Inyears past with a veteran team it has been harder to contain him but I dont think it will be the case this year.

Byrd went like 0-8 or 0-9 or something in that game.

For the season, I think he has been averaging around 7 attempts from 3 per game. I do agree we need to hold him in check. Terone Johnson will get his. Ronnie Johnson has been playing pretty well. AJ Hammons has had some flashes. Besides that, not much to be really worried about imo.

pckldr · Dec 4, 2012, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeJ

The jury does not render a verdict until March.
GO ILLINI!

Exactly.

BrooksTaylorFan · Dec 4, 2012, 07:39 AM

Personaly......I love it. It's motivation and locker room material for Groce to pump up this team and keep egos in check. It will help keep the high rankings in check. We certainly shouldn't be offended by national media doubting us since they probably haven't even watched us play this season and are basing everything on last years collapse.

Illini70math · Dec 4, 2012, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Personaly......I love it. It's motivation and locker room material for Groce to pump up this team and keep egos in check. It will help keep the high rankings in check. We certainly shouldn't be offended by national media doubting us since they probably haven't even watched us play this season and are basing everything on last years collapse.

Being ranked 13th and 14th in the national polls (which is pretty high considering we haven't played a single top 25 team) tends to make me think that we are NOT being judged by last season's collapse, but by this season's relatively weak schedule to date. The commentator is just saying that we will struggle against better competition, of which we will face a lot.

That is a very reasonable position at this point in time given how we have played since Maui. We have trailed at home late in the game to both Gardner-Webb and Georgia Tech. Until we beat a top 25 team, of which we will see quite a few in the B1G, there is no reason to think that we will do well against them.

griff94griff · Dec 4, 2012, 08:13 AM

Goodman is a baby back Biatch

!!!
We have Bertrand alllll is good

Illwinsagain · Dec 4, 2012, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevdv

No, but writers acknowledged that they didn't have Trevor Mbakwe due to injury, now they do. By the way does anyone else feel like Trevor has been like FOREVER?

He is approaching Jeff Settles territory!

WizardBill · Dec 4, 2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illini70math

...The commentator is just saying that we will struggle against better competition, of which we will face a lot....

Doesn't every team always struggle against better competition? I am saying, every time you play someone better, it is more difficult. This seems like a totally pointless thing to say. It is completely obvious. I guess they just need lines to speak or write. It is kind of like saying that grass is greener than the sky!

BrooksTaylorFan · Dec 4, 2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illini70math

Being ranked 13th and 14th in the national polls (which is pretty high considering we haven't played a single top 25 team) tends to make me think that we are NOT being judged by last season's collapse, but by this season's relatively weak schedule to date. The commentator is just saying that we will struggle against better competition, of which we will face a lot.

That is a very reasonable position at this point in time given how we have played since Maui. We have trailed at home late in the game to both Gardner-Webb and Georgia Tech. Until we beat a top 25 team, of which we will see quite a few in the B1G, there is no reason to think that we will do well against them.

I meant that they are expecting us to collapse like last seasons team. We did start 10-0 last year.

ARay22 · Dec 4, 2012, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by griff94griff

Goodman is a baby back Biatch

!!!
We have Bertrand alllll is good

I would have to agree with you griff94griff:laugh::laugh:

Sure Shot · Dec 4, 2012, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruIllini89

What if Gonzaga wins a close one (squeaker) that makes Illinois a what, non-top25 team?

If we give Gonzaga a down-to-the-wire fight, that will be our most impressive result of the year, even if we lose.

Botb9 · Dec 4, 2012, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illini70math

Being ranked 13th and 14th in the national polls (which is pretty high considering we haven't played a single top 25 team) tends to make me think that we are NOT being judged by last season's collapse, but by this season's relatively weak schedule to date. The commentator is just saying that we will struggle against better competition, of which we will face a lot.

That is a very reasonable position at this point in time given how we have played since Maui. We have trailed at home late in the game to both Gardner-Webb and Georgia Tech. Until we beat a top 25 team, of which we will see quite a few in the B1G, there is no reason to think that we will do well against them.

Oh but we sort of have. I'm certain Butler comes out of that UNC game ranked or at least receiving votes. Had the timing on the polls been different, that win looks more significant. Interesting how a number can completely change your perception of a team.

Foo G · Dec 4, 2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illwinsagain

He is approaching Jeff Settles territory!

* laughs and points *

You did it wrong!

(It's Jess Settles, BTW. Short for Jessica, I'm sure.)

cjcastan · Dec 4, 2012, 09:07 AM

I know that the staff and players are all repeating the mantra that ratings right now mean nothing, it's all about the end of the year.

But I hope Coach is printing these up nice and big and hanging them all over Ubben

More bulletin Board material from the world wide leader

Quote:

Illinois is off to a surprising 8-0 start under new coach John Groce. The program has faced a lot of turmoil over the past year, so I understand the buzz. But what has the program done to justify a No. 13 ranking? A neutral-site win over Butler in the Maui Invitational? Check the Illini's schedule. Definitely overrated. Are they even top 20?

ctblaisdell83 · Dec 4, 2012, 09:42 AM

Quote from Roy Scheider:

"We're gonna' need a bigger bulletin board"

Illini70math · Dec 4, 2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botb9

Oh but we sort of have. I'm certain Butler comes out of that UNC game ranked or at least receiving votes. Had the timing on the polls been different, that win looks more significant. Interesting how a number can completely change your perception of a team.

Steve Alford, is that you? OK, let's just say that we beat an "effective" top 25 team and hang a banner!

You can't see me, but I'm flexin' them guns!

PeoriaSteve · Dec 4, 2012, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallrock98

Prepare to eat some crow Goodman!

+1, I'll take that bet with Mr. Goodman.

Botb9 · Dec 4, 2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcastan

I know that the staff and players are all repeating the mantra that ratings right now mean nothing, it's all about the end of the year.

But I hope Coach is printing these up nice and big and hanging them all over Ubben

More bulletin Board material from the world wide leader

Keep it comin.

TCTORNADO · Dec 4, 2012, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

I meant that they are expecting us to collapse like last seasons team. We did start 10-0 last year.

With a couple of impressive wins, @ Maryland & Gonzaga. Wheels came off rapidly, with the 11th game being the ugly UNLV loss @ UC.

PeoriaSteve · Dec 4, 2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrQuist

Unfortunately, 8-10 in the conference is quite possible (Ken Pom has us at 8-10 for example), and that will not send us to dance regardless of the non conference schedule.

8 wins: 2x Nebraska, 2x NW, and home against PSU, Minny, Purdue, Wisky
10 losses: 2x OSU, 2x Michigan, home against Indiana and away against MSU, Purdue, Wisky, Iowa, Minny,

I like our chances of winning at Purdue and Iowa. I think @ Wisky is a winnable game and @ MSU might be as well.

PeoriaSteve · Dec 4, 2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IllinoisTradition1984

Thanks Mr. Goodman for some locker room motivation fodder ... Gonzaga has played NOBODY!!! We have beaten a tough Butler team and have a legitimate road win ... The only thing Gonzaga has going for it is a really big backcourt, and homecourt advantage ... I wouldn't be counting any chickens if I were a Gonzaga fan! I see us squeeking one out on the road ... We'll see ...

The Zags have a small backcourt, which I think we can exploit.. I think you meant really big frontcourt.

rdk573 · Dec 4, 2012, 10:00 AM

This board is going to have a meltdown as soon as we lose to a team would should beat...the Schizophrenia on this board is mind boggling...

Illini70math · Dec 4, 2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdk573

This board is going to have a meltdown as soon as we lose to a team would should beat...the Schizophrenia on this board is mind boggling...

Maybe I am missing some subtle point here, but isn't schizophrenia usually mind boggling?

illinifan31 · Dec 4, 2012, 10:45 AM

Man we are just getting pooped on from all directions. Nobody thinks we are legit.

Dec 4, 2012, 08:13 AM	#82
griff94griff Location: Dirty Dirty South 618 Posts: 20	Goodman is a baby back Biatch!!! We have Bertrand alllll is good

Dec 4, 2012, 05:42 AM	#77
JoeJ Posts: 128	Think we should have made the jury is still out list. Certainly most of us are more hopeful than a month ago, and we certainly look darn good so far. Could not have won more games. The jury does not render a verdict until March. At this point I'm buying. GO ILLINI!

Dec 4, 2012, 07:39 AM	#80
BrooksTaylorFan Location: Illinois Posts: 4,858	Personaly......I love it. It's motivation and locker room material for Groce to pump up this team and keep egos in check. It will help keep the high rankings in check. We certainly shouldn't be offended by national media doubting us since they probably haven't even watched us play this season and are basing everything on last years collapse.

Dec 4, 2012, 09:42 AM	#91
ctblaisdell83 Posts: 486	Quote from Roy Scheider: "We're gonna' need a bigger bulletin board"

Dec 4, 2012, 10:00 AM	#98
rdk573 Posts: 237	This board is going to have a meltdown as soon as we lose to a team would should beat...the Schizophrenia on this board is mind boggling...

Dec 4, 2012, 10:45 AM	#100
illinifan31 Orange Krush Cow Location: Champaign/Chicago Suburbs Posts: 714	Man we are just getting pooped on from all directions. Nobody thinks we are legit.