Illinois 24, Virginia 3 Postgame

[sully]

The inconveniences weren’t related to anything I specifically mentioned. The lack of inconveniences were their own positive from today’s gameday experience.

And I’m sorry… you may have liked the war chant, but if you think that’s hype… then you’ve been attending a different set of games than I have been for 18 years and have met with a whole different subset of fans/alumni than I did. What team is terrified by a slow monotonous clap on third down? It’s not loud… it’s not annoying… it just… was. Then again, maybe it was more exciting pre-2005 before I started attending games. Boooooring. I want the crowd to be cheering, not slow-clapping.

But, to each their own I suppose.

okay fair enough I guess. I just thought the war chant (when performed right) had a cool build up with our fans making lots of noise with their voices yelling while clapping with the war chant theme at the same time (our fans are capable of multi tasking) perhaps its just a "old man yelling at the clouds" moment for me since I'm an old geezer that was born in the 80s lol
Illinois is definitely fighting an uphill battle in terms of its marketing and brand. Its bad enough our beloved Chief Illiniwek logo has been banned (which imo still remains the greatest logo of any university ) the amount of detail that went into is incredible

I guess I should just be grateful we're still called the Fighting Illini instead of the fighting squirrels lol

 

[DeonThomas]

Winning brings the crowds ( Albert Einstein?)

We're winning.

The crowds aren't yet delivering on their side of the bargain.

 

[Bbuck21]

Ryan Walters. It probably has been discussed somewhere, but I cant find it. Why did he make a lateral move from Missouri to Illinois. I know there will be the obvious digs at Mizzou, but seriously, why?

 

[illini80]

Ryan Walters. It probably has been discussed somewhere, but I cant find it. Why did he make a lateral move from Missouri to Illinois. I know there will be the obvious digs at Mizzou, but seriously, why?

1. Coach B. He saw it as a learning opportunity for his next step.
2. He was not fully appreciated at Mizzou. There was even some talk that they were glad to see him go.

 

[Illini in Italy]

I have many different ideas. Some have already been posted. Bottomline, until the Athletic Department realizes that empty seats make no money, nothing will change.

Actually, I think empty seats cost you money. . .

 

[TheDrinkinLincoln]

trtl, Texted a copy of your post to the previous owner of KAM’S. Needless to say, he wasn’t happy, and said he’d look into it because “he wasn’t going to let his hard work of thirty years get ruined...” I think every bar in the area as well as every bar in the state should carry Illini football games, and with more success, they will.

I think we need something like Wisconsin's GoPackGo bill where there is a local channel that airs the game no matter what in every county of Illinois

 

[Illini in Italy]

The inconveniences weren’t related to anything I specifically mentioned. The lack of inconveniences were their own positive from today’s gameday experience.

And I’m sorry… you may have liked the war chant, but if you think that’s hype… then you’ve been attending a different set of games than I have been for 18 years and have met with a whole different subset of fans/alumni than I did. What team is terrified by a slow monotonous clap on third down? It’s not loud… it’s not annoying… it just… was. Then again, maybe it was more exciting pre-2005 before I started attending games. Boooooring. I want the crowd to be cheering, not slow-clapping.

But, to each their own I suppose.

Yeah, you didn’t get to experience the feel of a full Memorial Stadium of an early to mid-‘80’s against tOSU or Michigan when the war chant had the entire stadium shaking to the point where you wondered if the cheap-a#$ bleachers were going to hold . . . . and then to see the Chief take the field? I hope you deserve your moniker . . .

 

[TheDrinkinLincoln]

Ryan Walters. It probably has been discussed somewhere, but I cant find it. Why did he make a lateral move from Missouri to Illinois. I know there will be the obvious digs at Mizzou, but seriously, why?

Drink wanted his guy and they mutually agreed to part ways when BB did due diligence assembling his staff

 

[Illini in Italy]

I've wondered that, that's an interesting statistic.

There are well over a million people in Central Illinois, it's a not insignificant population to draw from, though an aging one.

But it was that way in the early ‘80’s also (which happened to be when I was there). I can remember my first year there having to buy tickets from the scalpers because the games were sold out . . .

 

[Navy_illini]

We're winning.

The crowds aren't yet delivering on their side of the bargain.

From https://fightingillini.com/sports/2016/8/18/football-attendance-records.aspx

Here is our average home attendance by year along with record from 2000 to 2017. It seems the previous year record has a big influence on if fans will show up

2000 55,978 5-6 previous year 8-4
2001 54,949 10-2
2002 55,199 5-7
2003 50,961 1-11
2004 48,626 3-8
2005 47,852 2-9
2006 43,445 2-10
2007 54,872 9-4
2008 61,707 5-7
2009 59,544 3-9
2010 54,188 7-6
2011 49,548 7-6
2012 45,564 2-10
2013 43,787 4-8
2014 41,549 6-7
2015 42,647 5-7
2016 45,644 3-9
2017 39,429 2-10

 

[EyeoftheIllini]

Illinois defense dominates in a 24-3 win over Virginia

The Illini defense forced eight three-and-outs and Tommy DeVito threw a pair of touchdown passes.

www.stltoday.com

• By ANDERSON KIMBALL

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois struggled defensively when it traveled to Virginia a year ago. That wasn’t the case when the Illini hosted the Cavaliers this year.
The Illinois defense showed more evidence of its turnaround, leading the way to a 24-3 win over Virginia on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The unit forced eight three-and-outs that gave the Illini a comfortable win despite four turnovers.
Virginia managed 222 total yards on the afternoon. It had 42 points and 556 yards a season ago.
“For us to be where we are now coming out of this Virginia game compared to last year when we came out of Virginia game, especially defensively, it tells me a lot about where we are as a program,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said.

Pressure was the key for the Illinois defense. Seth Coleman got his first sack, and the Illini’s second, of the season. The edge rush had a bounce-back week and the interior of the line, namely Belleville native Keith Randolph, continued to get pressure and harassed Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong.
Freshman Gabe Jacas added two sacks, while the Illini had six quarterback hurries.
The secondary was able to keep the stable of Cavaliers receivers at bay, with an often-running Armstrong completing 13 of his 32 passes for 180 yards and a pair of interceptions.
Those numbers were a stark difference from a year ago when Armstrong tore the Illini apart for 405 yards and five touchdowns.

This VA offense bears very little resemblance to last year’s. Their OL was terrible. Obviously a lot to like about the D yesterday and they took advantage of the Cavs’ woes (and certainly contributed to them), but I’m not ready to call them the second coming of Buddy Ryan’s Bears defense. I’m interested to see how they do against a good offense. Though watching some of both Wisky and Iowa games, it could be awhile before we see that.

 

[gibb52]

Well, we turned the ball over 4 times, including a fumble at the goal line. Yanked an easy field goal left. Had a really good punt return called back on a penalty. And committed an assortment of other penalties. And still won easily against another Power 5 opponent. So there is potential there to be a decent team that can maybe get to 6-6 and a bowl game. But goodness, we have to clean up a lot of these mistakes.

 

[skyIdub]

Finally got to the highlights this morning...and honestly...whatever you want to say about UVA....IDGAF. When you hold a P5 team to 1-16 on third down...give them the ball 4(count em!) FOUR times in one half....and hold them to 3 points...THEN...come back and shut them out in the entire second half WITH a final goal line stand to end the game?

That is some magnificent CFB defense badassery.

Sunday Hot Take: We absolutely have a chance to win every game left on our schedule. Yep even scUM. Yes it might take their worst game this year vs. our best game...but whatever. None of these games look like climbing Mt. Everest anymore.
Mother Nature is on a warpath and she might as well try and sh#t mix Ann Arbor on Nov. 19th. I like our chances in bad weather.
Defense + running game.

Ok...now I'm going to work so the Meowboys have a chance to win tonight. What if this is really a thing and I never watch another game of my favorite teams??
I did not think this thing through. I'm not missing MBB games. The universe can f right off.

Kbye!

 

[DaChief4ever]

okay fair enough I guess. I just thought the war chant (when performed right) had a cool build up with our fans making lots of noise with their voices yelling while clapping with the war chant theme at the same time (our fans are capable of multi tasking) perhaps its just a "old man yelling at the clouds" moment for me since I'm an old geezer that was born in the 80s lol
Illinois is definitely fighting an uphill battle in terms of its marketing and brand. Its bad enough our beloved Chief Illiniwek logo has been banned (which imo still remains the greatest logo of any university ) the amount of detail that went into is incredible

I guess I should just be grateful we're still called the Fighting Illini instead of the fighting squirrels lol

I say we rent Florida State Osceola for our games....He isnt' banned by the NCAA....still throws the spear on the horse....but we get NO Chief....huh?

 

[DeonThomas]

Finally got to the highlights this morning...and honestly...whatever you want to say about UVA....IDGAF. When you hold a P5 team to 1-16 on third down...give them the ball 4(count em!) FOUR times in one half....and hold them to 3 points...THEN...come back and shut them out in the entire second half WITH a final goal line stand to end the game?

That is some magnificent CFB defense badassery.

Sunday Hot Take: We absolutely have a chance to win every game left on our schedule. Yep even scUM. Yes it might take their worst game this year vs. our best game...but whatever. None of these games look like climbing Mt. Everest anymore.
Mother Nature is on a warpath and she might as well try and sh#t mix Ann Arbor on Nov. 19th. I like our chances in bad weather.
Defense + running game.

Ok...now I'm going to work so the Meowboys have a chance to win tonight. What if this is really a thing and I never watch another game of my favorite teams??
I did not think this thing through. I'm not missing MBB games. The universe can f right off.

Kbye!

When speaking about the Illini, DiNardo (BTN) said (paraphrasing).........This is a bowl team and they're going to have a say in who wins the West Division.

Revsine then chimed-in, The Illini just might be competing for the title in the West. To which DiNardo then replied, That's what I mean by "having a say."

 

[bluemountain]

Yeah, you didn’t get to experience the feel of a full Memorial Stadium of an early to mid-‘80’s against tOSU or Michigan when the war chant had the entire stadium shaking to the point where you wondered if the cheap-a#$ bleachers were going to hold . . . . and then to see the Chief take the field? I hope you deserve your moniker . . .

I've been to games at Clemson, LSU, Alabama, South Carolina (when they were good under Spurrier), most of the Big 10 stadiums and MS was as loud as if not louder than any of them when it was rocking against OSU or UM or Iowa during the 80's. Without the chief and with 15k fewer seats, we will probably never re-create that experience again, even if we get another Mike White. Which is too bad, because MS is an iconic stadium and would be one of the great game day experiences in CFB. Every once in a while I watch this video to remind me what it was like and what we lost.

 

[DeonThomas]

I've been to games at Clemson, LSU, Alabama, South Carolina (when they were good under Spurrier), most of the Big 10 stadiums and MS was as loud as if not louder than any of them when it was rocking against OSU or UM or Iowa during the 80's. Without the chief and with 15k fewer seats, we will probably never re-create that experience again, even if we get another Mike White. Which is too bad, because MS is an iconic stadium and would be one of the great game day experiences in CFB. Every once in a while I watch this video to remind me what it was like and what we lost.

Thank you for that Blue! Very nice. Might be the best Illini football video with CHIEF out there! Packed stadium, plus Gary Bender, Pat Hayden and a victory over Michigan.

And yes we went 9-0 in the conference that season beating every other Big Ten team. Ranked #4 heading into the Rose Bowl, with the three teams ahead of us (NEB, TEX and Auburn) all playing different opponents in their respective bowls. As such, we needed to beat UCLA and have all three of those teams lose --- and we would have very likely ended up #1 in the nation in the final AP/UPI polls --- with an 11-game winning streak!!!!!

BTW I do think that atmosphere can, and will, be repeated.......

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

I graduated in 1983, and went to alot of games from 1981-1988. some great games & great crowds .

don’t know if we can ever get that again .

 

[illini80]

I graduated in 1983, and went to alot of games from 1981-1988. some great games & great crowds .

don’t know if we can ever get that again .

Ever achieving that level of success again is certainly questionable. I have no doubt the crowds will return if we win. While they certainly are complementary, a good game experience is attainable either way with the right marketing. It feels to me like we’ve attempted to do it on the cheap rather than making it a destination Saturday regardless of the final score.

 

[Illini in Italy]

I've been to games at Clemson, LSU, Alabama, South Carolina (when they were good under Spurrier), most of the Big 10 stadiums and MS was as loud as if not louder than any of them when it was rocking against OSU or UM or Iowa during the 80's. Without the chief and with 15k fewer seats, we will probably never re-create that experience again, even if we get another Mike White. Which is too bad, because MS is an iconic stadium and would be one of the great game day experiences in CFB. Every once in a while I watch this video to remind me what it was like and what we lost.

I can’t like this a millions times, but I would if I could.

 

[Illini in Italy]

I've been to games at Clemson, LSU, Alabama, South Carolina (when they were good under Spurrier), most of the Big 10 stadiums and MS was as loud as if not louder than any of them when it was rocking against OSU or UM or Iowa during the 80's. Without the chief and with 15k fewer seats, we will probably never re-create that experience again, even if we get another Mike White. Which is too bad, because MS is an iconic stadium and would be one of the great game day experiences in CFB. Every once in a while I watch this video to remind me what it was like and what we lost.

This was my first game as an Illini, having entered as a transfer student after 7 years in the military, and it cemented my identity as an Illini for life. The loss of the Chief was life changing for tens of thousands, and has never been, and it looks like never will be remedied. If the legacy of Native Americans was intended to be erased, this was a great way to do it.

 

[BRucks]

From https://fightingillini.com/sports/2016/8/18/football-attendance-records.aspx

Here is our average home attendance by year along with record from 2000 to 2017. It seems the previous year record has a big influence on if fans will show up

2000 55,978 5-6 previous year 8-4
2001 54,949 10-2
2002 55,199 5-7
2003 50,961 1-11
2004 48,626 3-8
2005 47,852 2-9
2006 43,445 2-10
2007 54,872 9-4
2008 61,707 5-7
2009 59,544 3-9
2010 54,188 7-6
2011 49,548 7-6
2012 45,564 2-10
2013 43,787 4-8
2014 41,549 6-7
2015 42,647 5-7
2016 45,644 3-9
2017 39,429 2-10

2018 36,151 4-8
2019 36,587 6-7
2020 Covid 2-8
2021 35,347 5-7

 

[AT6]

From https://fightingillini.com/sports/2016/8/18/football-attendance-records.aspx

Here is our average home attendance by year along with record from 2000 to 2017. It seems the previous year record has a big influence on if fans will show up

2000 55,978 5-6 previous year 8-4
2001 54,949 10-2
2002 55,199 5-7
2003 50,961 1-11
2004 48,626 3-8
2005 47,852 2-9
2006 43,445 2-10
2007 54,872 9-4
2008 61,707 5-7
2009 59,544 3-9
2010 54,188 7-6
2011 49,548 7-6
2012 45,564 2-10
2013 43,787 4-8
2014 41,549 6-7
2015 42,647 5-7
2016 45,644 3-9
2017 39,429 2-10

Wow! What a bad trend. I went to the game this weekend with my 13-yr old son who loves college football. I hadn’t been to a game since my college years and it was fun to be on the campus again. While the crowd was small, the fans who came were quite passionate. It was a good experience and I’ll plan on coming again.

 

[Illini in Italy]

From https://fightingillini.com/sports/2016/8/18/football-attendance-records.aspx

Here is our average home attendance by year along with record from 2000 to 2017. It seems the previous year record has a big influence on if fans will show up

2000 55,978 5-6 previous year 8-4
2001 54,949 10-2
2002 55,199 5-7
2003 50,961 1-11
2004 48,626 3-8
2005 47,852 2-9
2006 43,445 2-10
2007 54,872 9-4
2008 61,707 5-7
2009 59,544 3-9
2010 54,188 7-6
2011 49,548 7-6
2012 45,564 2-10
2013 43,787 4-8
2014 41,549 6-7
2015 42,647 5-7
2016 45,644 3-9
2017 39,429 2-10

The very definition of aiming for mediocrity, and failing to achieve it . . .

 

[Illinois_2_AZ]

They used to charter buses from Chicago
And high school kids got In really cheap
Maybe you could fill an empty seat too

I promise you if I didn't live 1,600 miles away, I would be at every home game no matter what.