Pregame: Illinois vs Virginia, Saturday, September 10th, 3:00pm CT, ESPNU

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#177      
My first game, freshman year! For a while, I thought I must have misremembered something, since it seems impossible that we would open the season with a conference game. But we did.
Ditto. Guess we're classmates. I remember my roommate and I realizing we had bought season tickets (West Block). What a miserable football team and coach.
 
#180      
If we had had McCray (or equal inside threat) it would have opened up Chase's ourside possibility and not allowed Indy to load the inside. Just another position where need more help. In BB's words we are thin at some spots.
I think we should have moved Marchese back there for the attempts to ram it through and the possibility to use him as a decoy for another tight end sneaking off the line for a toss in the corner!!!
 
#182      
Don’t follow VA, but just looking at last year’s stats against Illini and for the season, it looks like the offense is on the hot seat. VA only held two teams to fewer points than Illini scored last year — shutouts against William & Mary and Duke. VA likely to put up points (hopefully D can slow them some), so Illini offense has to do better than last year against them and against Indiana.
 
#184      
I don’t feel hopeful for some reason. The winnable Indiana game and last years Virginia blowout have left bad tastes in my mouth. I hope I’m wrong. I hope Vegas is right.

Still will cheer ILL on to the end!
Sorry to say I’m feeling the same way. My heart says Illini win the TO battle, cut their penalties in half and are able to ground out a 24-21 win. Unfortunately, my head says those two things don’t happen and Illini go down 34-20.
 
#186      

Illinisteve25

Champaign
Getting some early momentum from a big a play two is a must. Would love to get the ball first n score!
 
#189      
I'll be most happy with winning the game of course, but am looking forward to our punter averaging 45 yds/punt and our FG kicker hitting everything he tries out to 45 yards.
 
#190      
I keep seeing Illinois as a trendy pick for tomorrow. I have seen 27-24 or thereabouts by several “experts”. Maybe they know something I don’t.

I’m still cautious about this game. Our defense will have their hands full
As long as we don’t try to ~prevent~ big plays, we are apparently unstoppable! 😂
 
#193      

GallopingGhost

Denver, CO
I keep seeing Illinois as a trendy pick for tomorrow. I have seen 27-24 or thereabouts by several “experts”. Maybe they know something I don’t.

I’m still cautious about this game. Our defense will have their hands full
No one knows anything. Not the experts, not Virginia not Illinois, not us. That’s what makes betting fun.
 
#194      
I think the Illini are going to kick their asxxx!! Five new players on the o-line! Brennan is going to be running for his life! Newton and Randolph will have big games!

ILLINI 34
yahoos 17
 
#195      
I think Coach B is the best FB coach the Illini have had in my lifetime, and appreciate the direction he’s taking the program, but he’s coached this team into a handful of losses - the Indiana game being one. That loss is 100% on him and his staff.

This VA game is critical in his ability to keep the team focused after a tough loss, and make the proper coaching decisions that put the team in the best position to win the game.

Edit: At the risk of being over-dramatic, I think his coaching career may depend on this game. Another loss after last weeks debacle really puts this team in a tough spot the remainder of the year. I think coach B needs a bowl, any bowl this year, to remain safe.
 
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#196      

illini80

Forgottonia
I think Coach B is the best FB coach the Illini have had in my lifetime, and appreciate the direction he’s taking the program, but he’s coached this team into a handful of losses - the Indiana game being one. That loss is 100% on him and his staff.

This VA game is critical in his ability to keep the team focused after a tough loss, and make the proper coaching decisions that put the team in the best position to win the game.

Edit: At the risk of being over-dramatic, I think his coaching career may depend on this game. Another loss after last weeks debacle really puts this team in a tough spot the remainder of the year. I think coach B needs a bowl, any bowl this year, to remain safe.
Respectfully disagree. With what we lost last after last seasons super seniors were gone, I’ve said all along that not taking a step backwards should be considered a successful season. It’s not what any of us want, but it’s realistic. I’ve seen player development already this year that gives me hope for a 6 win season still. We need this game to make that happen tho. I expect to see adjustments on both sides of the ball and I think our defense will give the offense a chance to win it. Fingers crossed!
 
#197      

ILFaninFL

Nature Coast in Florida
I think Coach B is the best FB coach the Illini have had in my lifetime, and appreciate the direction he’s taking the program, but he’s coached this team into a handful of losses - the Indiana game being one. That loss is 100% on him and his staff.

This VA game is critical in his ability to keep the team focused after a tough loss, and make the proper coaching decisions that put the team in the best position to win the game.

Edit: At the risk of being over-dramatic, I think his coaching career may depend on this game. Another loss after last weeks debacle really puts this team in a tough spot the remainder of the year. I think coach B needs a bowl, any bowl this year, to remain safe.
Mike White might have been the best, but it's still early days with Coach B.
 
#198      
Same here, I had this one penciled in as a loss from the beginning of the season (had Indiana as one of our 5 wins though, argh).

I know UVA has lost a lot since last year, but I am also surprised we're favored.
I had a bad dream Friday night. Saw illinois game and Virginia was up 22-0 in second quarter. Just a dream right?
 
#200      
Edit: At the risk of being over-dramatic, I think his coaching career may depend on this game. Another loss after last weeks debacle really puts this team in a tough spot the remainder of the year. I think coach B needs a bowl, any bowl this year, to remain safe.
Drama Monkey GIF

it’s year 2 of a dramatic rebuild is what it is . . .
stripes lighten GIF
 
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