Pregame: Illinois vs Rutgers, Saturday, October 30th, 11:00am CT, BTN

[lstewart53x3]

We should be 6-2 now. UTSA, MD and Purdon't.

While we certainly had a chance to win those games, if you look at post-game win expectancy, only one of the three, Purdue, is a game we truly should have won.

We had a 66% post game win expectancy against Purdue.

The other two games:

92% in favor of UTSA.
76% in favor of Maryalnd.

Surprisingly, even though we won the Nebraska game, Nebraska had a 59% post game win expectancy.

So even though we had opportunities for more wins, our current record sounds about right.

Against PSU, we had an 86% post game win expectancy. So that game was quite a bit closer than it really should have been.

 

[pruman91]

Is it just me, or is Coach B's video of particularly poor quality today?

not you......extremely disappointed in the quality of this presser and dammit can we get a microphone to the reporters so we can hear their questions ?????

This is THE Fighting Illini and I will fight for better quality videos and hearing the damn questions.......please don't get Papi pru agitated ......It will not end pretty.................

 

[DeonThomas]

Both UTSA and Maryland outplayed us. Not sure we would have won the Maryland game even if we had gone for the first down and made it, as many variables are left unknown.

And PSU had 3-4 solid shots at beating us.

Perhaps 4-4 would be just about right.

 

[EyeoftheIllini]

Man, enough with the “we should be 6-2 or 5-3.” First, no guarantee we would have been successful if we had gone for it on fourth down. But beyond that, it is over and the Illini’s record now until Saturday is 3-5. I get it that people are mad he didn’t go for it, but let’s just move on.

 

[BalloonsTheElephant]

I said the same thing on Illini board. If we don't have a QB that is threat to pass them why not put in a QB who is a threat to run?

Most colleges recruit dual-threat quarterbacks. Lovie strictly focused on zero-threat quarterbacks.

 

[phats22]

Most colleges recruit dual-threat quarterbacks. Lovie strictly focused on zero-threat quarterbacks.

ahh, zero-threat. the loneliest of all threats....

 

[trtl]

While we certainly had a chance to win those games, if you look at post-game win expectancy, only one of the three, Purdue, is a game we truly should have won.

We had a 66% post game win expectancy against Purdue.

The other two games:

92% in favor of UTSA.
76% in favor of Maryalnd.

Surprisingly, even though we won the Nebraska game, Nebraska had a 59% post game win expectancy.

So even though we had opportunities for more wins, our current record sounds about right.

Against PSU, we had an 86% post game win expectancy. So that game was quite a bit closer than it really should have been.

Why even play the games? Just gimme the math.

 

[JustPassing]

I think ALL the receivers should wear white gloves. Here on out

 

[pruman91]

Why even play the games? Just gimme the math.

 

[DeonThomas]

Thinking I probably get influenced too much by dramatic/historic victories on national TV, but I just watched the latest press conference and Bielema sure is a solid football guy.

He understands the nuts and bolts of the game, he's got that raw Butkus-like demeanor, and he's a really effective communicator. He comes off as genuine. Hope he's still our coach in 15 years.

 

[pruman91]

Thinking I probably get influenced too much by dramatic/historic victories on national TV, but I just watched the latest press conference and Bielema sure is a solid football guy.

He understands the nuts and bolts of the game, he's got that raw Butkus-like demeanor, and he's a really effective communicator. He comes off as genuine. Hope he's still our coach in 15 years.

did it play ok for you ????/....it was choppy for me

 

[orange100]

whew lad. What is up at WCIA? That video of Bielema is unwatchable-quality.

 

[illiniguy]

whew lad. What is up at WCIA? That video of Bielema is unwatchable-quality.

It's been all downhill for them since Mr. Roberts passed.

 

[DeonThomas]

did it play ok for you ????/....it was choppy for me

I've now watched it three times, first on BTN (Tivo from early Monday morning). Super high HD quality with vivid colors. However, they played only the "white glove" story and skipped the Q&A with the press. I then watched a different feed last night. Great quality once again. Can't recall the source.

So then figured I'd watch WCIA's feed on here to see what you're talking about. Yep, choppy and poor quality.

 

[pruman91]

Illini turn to Peters with Sitkowski's season over

Illini head coach Bret Bielema announced Monday that sophomore Artur Sitkowski suffered a broken left arm in the sixth overtime Saturday.

www.stltoday.com

CHAMPAIGN — Brandon Peters is now Illinois’ starting quarterback. There will be no question about that for the rest of the season.
Illini head coach Bret Bielema announced Monday that sophomore Artur Sitkowski suffered a broken left arm in the sixth overtime Saturday during the Illini’s 20-18 marathon victory over Penn State.

Sitkowski will require a six- to seven-month recovery process, according to Bielema, and have to sit out spring drills but will be ready for next season. Bielema said it could be another two to four weeks before shoulder surgery because of the left arm surgery.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of that kid and what he did,” said Bielema.

--------------------------------------------------------

Now that the AS news has been released how does the board feel now about bowl aspirations ????

There was a lot of discussion about it earlier before the news came out about Art missing the rest of the season.....Inquiring minds want to know....

 

['16caine]

Rutgers and Illini are pretty similar statistically. Notice that Rutgers run/pass offensive balance is similar to Penn States. Hope that is a good thing.

View attachment 12692

Wow Nebraska really letting their fans down this year. That team should be ranked/bowl eligible based on those statistics….

 

[king dad runnerup]

Wow Nebraska really letting their fans down this year. That team should be ranked/bowl eligible based on those statistics….

The important statistics that are missing are turnover margin and special teams play. The chart also doesn't account for SCOTT FROST.

 

[MustangWally]

It's been all downhill for them since Mr. Roberts passed.

View attachment 12712

While all my friends were playing with their Lionel trains, I was the cool kid with the American Flyer set up. Or was I the oddball? I don't remember now.

 

[aiwpfan]

Much better video of Coach's presser:

 

[TheFlyingIllini1317]

Hope this goes like Purdue 2019, quell the anxiety of a letdown game, and maybe some rain showers making this a rushing game to our favor.

 

[MoCoMdIllini]

This went from a "hopeful, bounce-back" game to a trap game, didn't it?

Huge, emotional road win where it was least expected going in, leading to a home game before hitting the road again...

I dunno, man. I'll have to make some hiking plans. I hear Cunningham Falls is beautiful this time of year.

 

[Dan]

Update

Rutgers -1.5

 

[Ghost77]

This went from a "hopeful, bounce-back" game to a trap game, didn't it?

Huge, emotional road win where it was least expected going in, leading to a home game before hitting the road again...

I dunno, man. I'll have to make some hiking plans. I hear Cunningham Falls is beautiful this time of year.

We are ILLINOIS FOOTBALL - every game is a trap game for us

 

[pruman91]

Much better video of Coach's presser:

Thank you so much......................

 

[mhuml32]

Update

Rutgers -1.5

Hmmmmm