It's easy to describe the way to play with a higher tempo but nonetheless in a ball-controlling, defense-resting way. It is extremely difficult to actually pull it off. Early days against weak opponents but thusfar Lunney & Co are pulling it off.I'll provide a couple updates throughout the season but here are the 2022 offensive stats compared to the 2021 season
Offensive Plays Per Game
2021: 67.7 (93rd)
2022: 81.7 (15th) (!!)
Offensive Yards Per Game
2021: 326.9 (111th)
2022: 440.7 (42nd)
Offensive Yards Per Play
2021: 4.8 (109th)
2022: 5.4 (59th)
Yards per Pass Attempt
2021: 5.8 (121st)
2022: 6.4 (77th)
Average Time of Possession
2021: 29:19 (83rd)
2022: 35:40 (16th) (!!)
Third Down Conversion Percentage
2021: 37.99% (76th)
2022: 44.66% (41st)
The offensive plays number is startling to me compared to last year, but each of these has taken a massive leap forward. While it's one heck of a caveat but this offensive is just needing some positive regression on turnovers away from contending for best Illinois offense in 10 years.
Connelly's final preseason SP+ is posted. Illinois has creeped up a little bit since the first one (82 --> 79). Here are the SP+ rankings for each of Illinois' opponents:
Wyoming (home): 111
Indiana (road): 86
Virginia (home): 65
Chattanooga (home): NR
Wisconsin (road): 17
Iowa (home): 27
Minnesota (home): 31
Nebraska (road): 44
Michigan State (home): 15
Purdue (home): 34
Michigan (road): 6
Northwestern (road): 89
As we mourn the impending loss of the B1G West, it would only be fitting for it to be laid to rest in the hands of Bret Bielema, the B1G West-est person who ever lived.Please subscribe to my new newsletter - "How to discuss Big Ten West Champion Illinois with your kids"
Link?Please subscribe to my new newsletter - "How to discuss Big Ten West Champion Illinois with your kids"
Dec. 29 | Pinstripe | North Carolina | vs. Illinois | ACC vs. Big Ten | 2 p.m. | New York, N.Y. |
Folks, Chase Brown leads the nation in rushing.
Funny thing about this is Kentucky RB Rodriguez Jr who hasn't played a game yet has odds around 125/1 to 250/1.Folks, Chase Brown leads the nation in rushing.
Chase Brown for Heisman, is what all the people are saying, you're hearing it more and more.
2024 College Football Bowl Predictions - NCAA Bowl Game Projections
CBS Sports bowl expert Jerry Palm picks the teams he feels will comprise the National Semi-final at the end of the season along with bowl projections for every single game.www.cbssports.com
Dec. 29 Pinstripe
North Carolinavs.
IllinoisACC vs. Big Ten 2 p.m. New York, N.Y.
I was wondering when the Heisman watchlist would start circulating and if CB would be on it. He keeps this up and he has a legit shot.Folks, Chase Brown leads the nation in rushing.
Chase Brown for Heisman, is what all the people are saying, you're hearing it more and more.
For the record I know the original post was tongue in cheek, but at some point the numbers don’t lie. I know it’s early and we will be playing tougher competition but I think his utilization rate will stay high, especially when we run into situations when the run is the only thing working for us.I was wondering when the Heisman watchlist would start circulating and if CB would be on it. He keeps this up and he has a legit shot.
Playing a WHAT IF scenario....if he keeps pace with his yardage numbers for the rest of the season. Still would need Illinois to finish 8-4 or better likely plus he would have to add a TON of TD runs into it as well.For the record I know the original post was tongue in cheek, but at some point the numbers don’t lie. I know it’s early and we will be playing tougher competition but I think his utilization rate will stay high, especially when we run into situations when the run is the only thing working for us.
At this point, his name isn’t on the betting lists, but I think at some point he will get on the list. Just my fanboy opinion.
Heisman Watch 2024: Heisman Trophy rankings after Week 1
Who will win the Heisman Trophy in 2024? Evaluating the Heisman Watch candidates for the 2024 season every week.sportsnaut.com
Extremely interesting. Great post! Periodic updates would be much appreciated.I'll provide a couple updates throughout the season but here are the 2022 offensive stats compared to the 2021 season
Offensive Plays Per Game
2021: 67.7 (93rd)
2022: 81.7 (15th) (!!)
Offensive Yards Per Game
2021: 326.9 (111th)
2022: 440.7 (42nd)
Offensive Yards Per Play
2021: 4.8 (109th)
2022: 5.4 (59th)
Yards per Pass Attempt
2021: 5.8 (121st)
2022: 6.4 (77th)
Average Time of Possession
2021: 29:19 (83rd)
2022: 35:40 (16th) (!!)
Third Down Conversion Percentage
2021: 37.99% (76th)
2022: 44.66% (41st)
The offensive plays number is startling to me compared to last year, but each of these has taken a massive leap forward. While it's one heck of a caveat but this offensive is just needing some positive regression on turnovers away from contending for best Illinois offense in 10 years.
I believe I heard the announcers comment in one of our first two games (Indiana perhaps) that Bielema is a great coach and an outstanding College Football CEO.This program has taken big strides already in the short time BB has been here. We have given some games away but we are ahead of schedule on this program turning around.
Looked back 10 seasons and some of the losing streaks have been horrific......
2012-2014 (not typing his name)
2012 9 Game Losing Streak
2013 6 Game Losing Streak
2014 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2015 (Cubit)
2015 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2016-2020 (Lovie)
2016 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak and 4 Game Losing Streak
2017 10 Game Losing Streak
2018 2 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2019 4 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak
2020 3 Game Losing Streak and 3 Game Losing Streak (Lovie fired before that last game where Penn St blew us out was last game on streak)
2021-current (BB)
2021 3 Game Losing Streak
2022 TBD
Started 1-4, 6-4 since that time and we have not lost back to back games in almost a year of this post. Illinois is building an identity and culture change has taken place. JMO but I feel we have overachieved since BB has arrived. He has stated before we are paper thin at certain positions. He is adding recruits, transfers and depth. I am excited to see what he can do with this program given more time.
Just need him to not run his mouth as much. We don't need an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. I love his swagger and confidence though. He just needs to ensure he isn't yapping into the opposing players face. It has looked like a few times he could have been flagged.
Agree 100%: but then again I’m old and believe that if you are going to make an idiot out yourself celebrating a great play, be it a pass breakup, an interception, a sack, or a tackle for loss, the media ought to highlight and have large graphics and slo-mo replay pointing you out when you get absolutely toasted for a 90 yard touchdown reception, etc.Just need him to not run his mouth as much. We don't need an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. I love his swagger and confidence though. He just needs to ensure he isn't yapping into the opposing players face. It has looked like a few times he could have been flagged.
But of course we don't know what he is saying. He could be asking for grandma's chocolate chip cookie recipe or making dinner plans.