I understand what you're saying, but isn't debating/questioning/agreeing/disagreeing with people's choices about 95-99% of what we do here on this site?
Illini Football 2023
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There are many good reasons to hope he can get fitter physically, for himself and the program. Leading by example is a part of it too, modeling self-discipline to his coaches, staff, and team. Yes, it’s stressful but I’ve worked for executives with highly stressful jobs who remained fit despite incredible time constraints and responsibilities. However, we each choose our own path and priorities. Could be far worse. At least he doesn’t have the Bobby Knight mentality. He’s obviously a smart, kind, caring guy with lots of knowledge and great strategic focus. It’s rare to combine strategic big-picture thinking with great one-on-one empathy, but he seems to do it.
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“You wouldn’t believe the fat people that call me fat.” -Bob Knight
Gotcha. I thought when Whitman first got hired on he mentioned wanting his coaches to be physically active. Not that it was a prerequisite but encouraged by him.
Illinois has a large financial interest (and personal too) in their athletic programs and their coaches. It's not required at all places but not unheard of for companies to have their executives get annual physicals. Quite a few jobs require physicals as well, generally safety related.
Executive Physicals: What Are They? Who Offers Them? Who Are They For?
Executive physicals help companies protect their most employees. What are they? Who offers them? Who are they for? We answer these questions, and more.
www.partnermd.com
Just a complete guess but Mike Leach doesn't strike me as someone who would be in favor of something like this.
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I think he would have a hard time passing a physical these days. But I also, don’t think it would bother him too much either.Illinois has a large financial interest (and personal too) in their athletic programs and their coaches. It's not required at all places but not unheard of for companies to have their executives get annual physicals. Quite a few jobs require physicals as well, generally safety related.
Executive Physicals: What Are They? Who Offers Them? Who Are They For?
Executive physicals help companies protect their most employees. What are they? Who offers them? Who are they for? We answer these questions, and more.
Just a complete guess but Mike Leach doesn't strike me as someone who would be in favor of something like this.
I’m guessing he’s too busy to pay consistent (if any) attention to what people are discussing on the internet.
I’ll also say his mental fortitude seems to be very strong…from my outside perspective anyway. Losing his mom and father-in-law (whom he was close to) in consecutive weeks and still getting out there and coaching takes a lot of resilience.
I’d guess he can handle people talking about his weight…especially since the talk is from a place of compassion, empathy, or concern and not malicious. (And that’s if, once again, he ever even hears about it)
I agree with everything you’re saying, but why do it? I guess that’s as simple as I can put it. Why do it?
On a message board, that’s the million dollar question…and may never be satisfactorily answerable my friend. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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I’m guessing because it’s anonymous, posters ask questions they would never ask him in person.
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Ah, the old personal choice argument. People in poor health, based on personal choices they make, place a greater, unnecessary burden on our health system which drives up costs. Sorry to have derailed the thread. My thoughts come from a good place. I'll say no more.
What’s everyone’s opinion..
Altmyer over/under 2500 passing yards.
Love or McCray, will one rush over 1000 yards?
I.Will or Bryant, both over 800 recieving yards?
Jacas over/under 8 sacks.
Barnes or Rosiek leads team in tackles this yr?
Altmyer over/under 2500 passing yards.
Love or McCray, will one rush over 1000 yards?
I.Will or Bryant, both over 800 recieving yards?
Jacas over/under 8 sacks.
Barnes or Rosiek leads team in tackles this yr?
1) Under, my guess is 2000-2200 yards. Hard to tell with an inexperienced QB whose main job will be to not turn the ball over.
2) Depends if Laughery, Anderson, or Feagin emerge as a third option. Haven't heard anyone standing out, so good chance for whichever of Love/McCray stays healthy
3) I'd take Bryant over 800 easily assuming QB play holds up, he's more of a downfield threat because his route tree is more refined. Williams is more explosive, but we use him on too many gadget plays that start at the LoS that doesn't translate into YPC (I think Lunney really needs to work on this for the offense to work this year).
4) Jacas toss-up. I'll be optimistic and say over. 8 sacks is a high number, but I've been only hearing good things from him in spring ball.
5) Barnes easily. I think he'll be 2nd or 3rd team all-B1G this year.
2) Depends if Laughery, Anderson, or Feagin emerge as a third option. Haven't heard anyone standing out, so good chance for whichever of Love/McCray stays healthy
3) I'd take Bryant over 800 easily assuming QB play holds up, he's more of a downfield threat because his route tree is more refined. Williams is more explosive, but we use him on too many gadget plays that start at the LoS that doesn't translate into YPC (I think Lunney really needs to work on this for the offense to work this year).
4) Jacas toss-up. I'll be optimistic and say over. 8 sacks is a high number, but I've been only hearing good things from him in spring ball.
5) Barnes easily. I think he'll be 2nd or 3rd team all-B1G this year.
Altmyer over/under 2500 passing yards.
Over - as good as DeVito was - downfield passing was limited last year. It will improve this year. Altmyer will read his cues a little longer.
Love or McCray, will one rush over 1000 yards?
If healthy, McCray will get there. I'm just not sure he can stay healthy. Not getting a RB in the portal speaks.
I.Will or Bryant, both over 800 recieving yards?
IW - Yes - and despite the improved downfield passing - no one else gets there - those yards will be spread around. I also think Elzy will make a nice contribution.
Jacas over/under 8 sacks.
Under
Barnes or Rosiek leads team in tackles this yr?
I say neither but I can't tell you who will lead in tackles. I think Illinois will sub a little more this year so too hard to predict.
Over - as good as DeVito was - downfield passing was limited last year. It will improve this year. Altmyer will read his cues a little longer.
Love or McCray, will one rush over 1000 yards?
If healthy, McCray will get there. I'm just not sure he can stay healthy. Not getting a RB in the portal speaks.
I.Will or Bryant, both over 800 recieving yards?
IW - Yes - and despite the improved downfield passing - no one else gets there - those yards will be spread around. I also think Elzy will make a nice contribution.
Jacas over/under 8 sacks.
Under
Barnes or Rosiek leads team in tackles this yr?
I say neither but I can't tell you who will lead in tackles. I think Illinois will sub a little more this year so too hard to predict.
dgcrow
- Kelso, WA
QB Thompson transfers to FAU for final season
Former Nebraska and Texas quarterback Casey Thompson, one of the top players in the NCAA transfer portal, has committed to FAU, he told ESPN.
It will be interesting to see how he fares when Florida Atlantic plays the Illini in Champaign on September 23.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Slow morning while I wait for a noon meeting. This is the order of how badly I want each Big Ten win this year ... it goes without saying that I want them ALL and it was difficult to choose between some, but anyway:
at Iowa: First of all, I will be in Iowa City with my friends for this one, and partying downtown will be sweeter after a W. More importantly, though, we need to get the Kinnick monkey off of our backs ... haven't won there since 1999, a game I was hilariously at as an 8-year old all dressed up in orange and blue who had just moved to Iowa City, lol.
vs. Penn State: I think this game will really show where this program is for many reasons. If we beat KU and go into this game 2-0, it could very well be a night game in beautiful September weather and in front of a huge crowd. It would give Memorial Stadium a chance to shine as a truly remade college football environment against a nationally ranked Big Ten East opponent on national TV. Even a competitive loss screams loud and clear that Illini football won't just sink back into the cellar after losing so much NFL talent. I imagine we will have plenty of recruits. Even if we lose a road game at KU, a win vs. PSU here can pretty much erase that and set the tone for the rest of the season. I think this will be the biggest home game we have had at Memorial Stadium as far as hype, crowd and actual implications on the landscape of college football since we hosted Ohio State in 2011 as an undefeated team.
vs. Wisconsin: This would be a statement win in Champaign in front of what hopefully would be a big crowd. Not only is it Bret's former employer, not only would it be two straight against UW and not only is it important to beat Fickell in his first season in Madison to show we are here to stay in the West ... IF we are off to a good start to the season (let's say 5-2 or even 6-1), a win here catapults us into another special one given the late October timing and coming just before a bye week and trip to Minneapolis.
vs. Nebraska: TI find it absolutely hilarious that this would be four straight wins vs. Nebraska and would mark 1,476 days since they last beat us in football.
at Purdue: Would love revenge for last year and would hate to lose to Walters in his first year, but the ones above it just matter more to me.
vs. Indiana: Revenge for the absolute screw job last year.
at Minnesota: West division game, yes, but we have beat them two years in a row and it would be a very respectable loss.
vs. Northwestern: "Rivalry" - blah, blah, blah ... I love the idea of pummeling them for a third straight year, but this game in an empty stadium in the cold is just always the lamest one of the year. It can't be moved to Arlington Heights indoors to start a new and unique Thanksgiving tradition soon enough.
at Maryland: Again, I want the win ... but some game had to be last.
at Iowa: First of all, I will be in Iowa City with my friends for this one, and partying downtown will be sweeter after a W. More importantly, though, we need to get the Kinnick monkey off of our backs ... haven't won there since 1999, a game I was hilariously at as an 8-year old all dressed up in orange and blue who had just moved to Iowa City, lol.
vs. Penn State: I think this game will really show where this program is for many reasons. If we beat KU and go into this game 2-0, it could very well be a night game in beautiful September weather and in front of a huge crowd. It would give Memorial Stadium a chance to shine as a truly remade college football environment against a nationally ranked Big Ten East opponent on national TV. Even a competitive loss screams loud and clear that Illini football won't just sink back into the cellar after losing so much NFL talent. I imagine we will have plenty of recruits. Even if we lose a road game at KU, a win vs. PSU here can pretty much erase that and set the tone for the rest of the season. I think this will be the biggest home game we have had at Memorial Stadium as far as hype, crowd and actual implications on the landscape of college football since we hosted Ohio State in 2011 as an undefeated team.
vs. Wisconsin: This would be a statement win in Champaign in front of what hopefully would be a big crowd. Not only is it Bret's former employer, not only would it be two straight against UW and not only is it important to beat Fickell in his first season in Madison to show we are here to stay in the West ... IF we are off to a good start to the season (let's say 5-2 or even 6-1), a win here catapults us into another special one given the late October timing and coming just before a bye week and trip to Minneapolis.
vs. Nebraska: TI find it absolutely hilarious that this would be four straight wins vs. Nebraska and would mark 1,476 days since they last beat us in football.
at Purdue: Would love revenge for last year and would hate to lose to Walters in his first year, but the ones above it just matter more to me.
vs. Indiana: Revenge for the absolute screw job last year.
at Minnesota: West division game, yes, but we have beat them two years in a row and it would be a very respectable loss.
vs. Northwestern: "Rivalry" - blah, blah, blah ... I love the idea of pummeling them for a third straight year, but this game in an empty stadium in the cold is just always the lamest one of the year. It can't be moved to Arlington Heights indoors to start a new and unique Thanksgiving tradition soon enough.
at Maryland: Again, I want the win ... but some game had to be last.
I dont think we have a 1000 yard rusher, but we will be respectable. Dont know what to think about Jacas getting 8 sacks, it's not an unimaginable goal. Others I have no opinion from what I know.
He's still stunned/recovering from last year. This is good news for Illinois.
FAU players to him, "What was it like last year playing against Illinois?"
Thompson, "I don't remember."
SampsonRelpenk
- Edwardsville, IL
I'm jealous you got to see Neil Rackers score a touchdown!
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Yes, runs blitzes with Jacas or Newton as BB/AH will move him from side to side or have him as an EDGE. Zone blitzes and stunts will be our bread and butter. I think the D will be better than last year. AH will most likely have a different scheme than Walters. I am excited to see this team this year as 9-10 wins going into the Championship game is not out of the question as the WEST will be Weaker. Neb, PU are going trough coaching changes, Iowa lost their best three defenders and they still have Brian Ferentz running the offense. Minny and Wisky along with us will be the top teams in the West. The goal is to get to the top 4 but realistically, we are looking at a possible Citrus Bowl. That might be our ceiling unless we win the B1G Championship game which might get us into another Bowl game or the CFP. It will be a fun year for Illini sports starting this spring with the Mens Golf team, then Illini football, and both basketball programs.
I was elated we hired him and getting us to be a 9-10 win team every year will only help with recruiting and position coaches who get promoted by other teams.
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