just curious where do you see the most likely 3rd and 4th win.
Pregame: Illinois vs Nebraska, Saturday, August 28th, 12:00pm CT, FOX
- Status
just curious where do you see the most likely 3rd and 4th win.
Not OP but I could easily see a veteran team running a new system easily upending a Nebraska team that isn't very good but has high expectations.
My other two candidates are a talented Maryland team that may not have the experience or the discipline to take the next step or Rutgers because they are the perennial bottom dweller like us and Illinutgers
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Northwestern and Rutgers.
Some combo of Nebraska, Purdue, Virginia and Maryland would be other decent opportunities.
We have like a 20-40% chance of winning like 10 of the games on this schedule. If we're any good we'll nab a few.
I see us winning all the Non Conf games along with Neb, PU, Rut, Maryland and NU. That’s 8 wins. BB winning B1G COY
Go Nats 88 Illini
Fairfax, VA
I am going with UVA and Rutgers. I'll be at the UVA game and will jump in in I have too ;-). Have hopes that BB can get the guys up for another upset or two as well.
Were they ever?
Go Nats 88 Illini
Fairfax, VA
It has been a while since we have had many high probabilities wins at all. Optimistic for this team and the future, but we will put together a couple wins. Hoping the team starts well, but I think they will get better in any event as the year goes on, so I am putting my bet on a W over Rutgers.
Cook
- Richmond, VA
Will be there as well
we should be grateful we are in the big ten west. The conference is wide open every year (to an extent). A program of our stature should not have a 20-40 percent chance of winning 10 of the games, yet we do,
Bielema’s Arkansas teams outside of his first year would’ve been routinely top 2/3 in the west. They were typically competitive with a gauntlet schedule
Is the B1G west still the worst division in power 5 football?
Even the remnants of the Big 12 besides Kansas are consistently better and/or more talented than west teams besides Wisconsin right?
Even the remnants of the Big 12 besides Kansas are consistently better and/or more talented than west teams besides Wisconsin right?
Yep, we actually have a competent BT proven coach for the first time in a long time. Hard to quantify that into first year wins, but I'm hopeful. Lots of super seniors will certainly help
Go Nats 88 Illini
Fairfax, VA
I'll be in Orange and Blue - so you can see me. Oops, those are UVA's colors, too (though they say Blue and Orange). In section 111 row P and hope to see you there!
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Haven’t been this excited for a season in so long … not really sure why, but I’m jazzed for next week. I think this game is massive for setting the tone of what can be accomplished on the field in Year 1 of this rebuild.
If we get killed, we are likely looking at 4-8 or worse. If we lose a close one and look good, we can go bowling but we will have just left a crucial W on the table. If we can beat Nebraska, I think we start looking at ceilings of 7-8 wins or more … which is incredible for Year 1!!
If we come out and beat them handily … wow. Schedule isn’t that tough for a decent or dare I say GOOD team! Hope the fans trickle in, as this will be noon CT on FOX!
If we get killed, we are likely looking at 4-8 or worse. If we lose a close one and look good, we can go bowling but we will have just left a crucial W on the table. If we can beat Nebraska, I think we start looking at ceilings of 7-8 wins or more … which is incredible for Year 1!!
If we come out and beat them handily … wow. Schedule isn’t that tough for a decent or dare I say GOOD team! Hope the fans trickle in, as this will be noon CT on FOX!
The latest spread I've seen is 6.5.
As for our team this season, don't forget that Tank has rebuilt all their bodies to superhuman capabilities.
Our coaching staff is stellar. And I seriously doubt our defense will be shredded as has been the case under our previous defensive coordinator and son.
Folks complained about the play calling that came down from the booth last year. We have a better play caller now.
We have the best punter, who has had to be our best player since he got here.
We are just so much improved than before.
As for our team this season, don't forget that Tank has rebuilt all their bodies to superhuman capabilities.
Our coaching staff is stellar. And I seriously doubt our defense will be shredded as has been the case under our previous defensive coordinator and son.
Folks complained about the play calling that came down from the booth last year. We have a better play caller now.
We have the best punter, who has had to be our best player since he got here.
We are just so much improved than before.
My take is the biggest question mark for this season is whether or not BP will be consistent. He has the tools and the experience but I think if he can't be consistently productive BB won't hesitate to replace him with Artur Sitkowski. BB is always preaching we do what's best for the team and winning, so if he loses confidence in BP I don't think he hesitates. It's all about production!
Go Nats 88 Illini
Fairfax, VA
I agree with you. This is the wildcard to me. While I think we are better, I thinkg most of the rest are as well. BP has flashes, but is so inconsistent. We have things in place, but QB play is critical. We have two seemingly strong options, but neither has been consistently solid. I want BP to succeed, but this the biggest question mark to me as well. I am holdng out hope, but it is just hope.
Aw geez, if that happens then this board will light up. Don't need a quick trigger, and I don't know how many were salivating over the prospect of getting him.
We don't need a Jeff George type right now as much as we need someone to hit the simple flare outs...etc! If we can season some simple completions with a solid run game then we can stay on the field longer, score sometimes and give our defense time to recover and not constantly be going three and out and wear the D out by halftime along with their confidence.
Deleted member 747817
D
Guest
I think this offense will score more than 14, but I'm also worried this defense will give up more than 24
illini80
- Forgottonia
I hope that's not the case. Martinez is no juggernaut, but he has had our number. I'm hoping we can contain his running and play competent in the secondary. Do that and I think we have a good chance. The days of receivers running wide open all over the field are over.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
With there being tape on Martinez, I have much more confidence in this staff to put together a game plan to stop or at least slow down him and their offense.
- Status