Illini Football 2023

[Navy_illini]

Is this site/schema legit?

I'm not excited by our W-L record but if we truly have played a top 15 SOS to date it's something to add to the overall conversation (not that it changes everything said about our offense, OL, etc)

I question our scheduling strategy/luck Maryland gets Towson Charlotte and a down UVA team

I would say Toledo and FAU are stronger opponents than Maryland cupcakes. We got unlucky playing KU when they are good. I would be good scheduling 3 cupcakes and then having to win 3 games to get to the bowl. If we are good we will have a conference schedule that would get you in the 12 team CFP

 

[Illiniguy74]

I question our scheduling strategy/luck Maryland gets Towson Charlotte and a down UVA team

I would say Toledo and FAU are stronger opponents than Maryland cupcakes. We got unlucky playing KU when they are good. I would be good scheduling 3 cupcakes and then having to win 3 games to get to the bowl. If we are good we will have a conference schedule that would get you in the 12 team CFP

Kansas also had the benefit of playing Illinois at home early in the season. I'm guessing Kansas was looking forward to playing a team from the P2 and showing the world they play big time football too. Add that Illinois had not jelled yet as a team thus creating the perfect recipe for a beat down. It'll be different next year.

 

[MDchicago]

I question our scheduling strategy/luck Maryland gets Towson Charlotte and a down UVA team

I would say Toledo and FAU are stronger opponents than Maryland cupcakes. We got unlucky playing KU when they are good. I would be good scheduling 3 cupcakes and then having to win 3 games to get to the bowl. If we are good we will have a conference schedule that would get you in the 12 team CFP

Agree, especially with the expanded B10 providing plenty of challenging games once the divisions go away.

To your point, Toledo is now bowl eligible with a 6-1 record...

 

[IlliniFaninHoosierLand]

I question our scheduling strategy/luck Maryland gets Towson Charlotte and a down UVA team

I would say Toledo and FAU are stronger opponents than Maryland cupcakes. We got unlucky playing KU when they are good. I would be good scheduling 3 cupcakes and then having to win 3 games to get to the bowl. If we are good we will have a conference schedule that would get you in the 12 team CFP

Can't really control who we schedule them and how they'll be a few years in the future. The Towson game was basically a regional game for Maryland, similar to if Illinois was going to schedule an FCS school like ISU or EIU. Charlotte has only had one winning season since they restarted the program back in 2013.

Looking ahead to next year, Maryland will have non-conference home games against UConn and Villanova and will have a return game at Virginia.

 

[Dkayak]

Maybe this will be 2022 in reverse, closing the season with a winning streak instead of opening it that way? Young team is starting to gel?

 

[Illini92and96]

You guys talking about a $1,000,000 difference not being much. That is every year. 5 year contract is $5 million difference. Would you switch jobs for
$5 million? Maybe it's only a 4 year contract. I would still switch jobs for $4 million.

I’d need more information beyond the $1M pay increase to know if it would be a good move. How much do you pay for healthcare? Is parking free? Do they serve good coffee? Do they give you a yeti with the company logo? Much to think about.

 

[Dkayak]

Maybe this will be 2022 in reverse, closing the season with a winning streak instead of opening it that way? Young team is starting to gel?

 

[mhuml32]

 

[illini80]

Maybe this will be 2022 in reverse, closing the season with a winning streak instead of opening it that way? Young team is starting to gel?

I hope you are correct, but I’m hesitant to make too many conclusions after 1 good performance. We played up to our talent level for the first time though, so maybe it finally clicked. If so it could be a fun ride the rest of the way. If we beat Wisconsin its an ideal setup with a bye week to get rested and healthy for the final push.

 

[LFOD]

So Wisconsin will be the second best team we play this season.... interesting.

 

[AyoDos11]

Call me crazy, but there is a scenario where after Week 8 & 9 Illinois could be in a 5-team tie for 2nd in the West and only 1 game behind Iowa:

Week 8:
Illinois beats Wisconsin
Minnesota beats Iowa
Nebraska vs NW (either one results in a 5-way tie assuming NW loses to MD in Wk 9)

Week 9:
OSU beats Wisconsin
MSU beats Minnesota
Purdue beats Nebraska

If this played out the standings would look like this:

Team	Record	GB
Iowa	3-2	--
ILL, PUR, WISC, MINN, (NEB/NW)	2-3	1
(NEB/NW)	1-4	2

It sounds crazy but when you look at each individual game it doesn't look completely out of the question. I'm not saying just because we won a game we're gonna win the division or anything, but who knows. Anything is possible in the B1G West.

 

[Ander1345]

So Wisconsin will be the second best team we play this season.... interesting.

Huh? Kansas and Penn State were ranked.

 

[LFOD]

Huh? Kansas and Penn State were ranked.

Check out mhuml32’s chart above.

 

[illini80]

Check out mhuml32’s chart above.

I hate to admit my ignorance, but I dont know how to read that chart.

 

[Dkayak]

I hate to admit my ignorance, but I dont know how to read that chart.

It’s like a new puzzle every week, with a hint of Deja vu! Stare at it long enough and it makes sense again.

 

[GILL-INOIS]

In 20 games under the Lunney Jr regime the offense has scored 27 points twice, otherwise the offense has generated less points.

In 20 games under the Lunney Jr regime the team (offense, defense, etc) have scored 25+ points 8 TIMES. Record in those games 8-0

We are Iowa 2.0 in the offensive caliber of things

 

[GILL-INOIS]

In 20 games under the Lunney Jr regime the offense has scored 27 points twice, otherwise the offense has generated less points.

In 20 games under the Lunney Jr regime the team (offense, defense, etc) have scored 25+ points 8 TIMES. Record in those games 8-0

We are Iowa 2.0 in the offensive caliber of things

Let me correct myself.....wrote that wrong and want to give out accurate info.


In 20 games under the Lunney Jr regime the offense has scored 27 or more points 5 times, otherwise the offense has generated less points.

In 20 games under the Lunney Jr regime the team(offense, defense, etc) have scored 25 or more points 8 TIMES. Record in those games 8-0

First 5 games under the Lunney Jr regime the offense scored 27 or more points 3 times. (Wyoming, Chattanoga and Wisconsin. They had 7 turnovers, Illinois 1)

Last 15 games under the Lunney Jr regime the offense scored 27 or more points 2 times. (Northwestern 27-2022 and Maryland 27-2023. They had 7 turnovers, Illinois 2)

Defense has helped generate a number of points in the last 20 games. Hopefully the offense can catch up because we are a solid team if we can average 25+ points a game.

 

[Saturdaze]

Aspirationally, I'm right there with you, and financially if TV money could go directly to recruits (rather than via NIL collectives), the above seems more viable.

I just don't think money alone will get us to the levels above. Partially, yes. And I also think that 'one of the worst P2 schools' means a ranking still far below 25-30. The P2 alone will be 34 members next year, and I think that several teams (at least) at the top of the non-P2 will be ranked every year, if for no other reason that somebody has to win those leagues and therefore will have good win / loss records. So Illinois would be lucky to be ranked 40-ish, even in the best light of the above. Granted, and to your point, this would be much better than today.

If much of this is seemingly pessimistic and just in my head, then mea culpa. But I do believe that 99% of the college football world does think of Illinois as an undesirable program (like the Nebraska recruit who de-committed last week). You can make other inroads with money alone - like fixing the south end of the stadium (shout out @Fighter of the Nightman ), but that infrastructure change will just get an attendance and energy boost for the re-dedication game and a few after. You need winning to engage fans, this seems obvious to me. I do not find it short-sighted or lazy, all the marketing in the world will not generate interest in a losing program.

And this administration, including both the athletic department and the university leadership, is the most sports-friendly administration Illinois has had in 30-40 years. That's a low bar though, I suppose.

Good debate, anyway, and thanks to all for the thoughtful responses!

I agree that winning is certainly a factor, probably the biggest factor. I willingly surrender the point that winning is THEE biggest factor. Just look at the tone surrounding the team this weekend after the win. One win has made people so much optimistic about the team. My issue is with making winning a prerequisite to other factors.

I don't think we need to win consistently before players like the Nebraska recruit who de-committed find Illinois a desirable program. I think its all about the people. We need to get people that can sell this idea before its a reality, and we have the bank account to make it happen. We need to get marketing and business people who can fill the stadium even if it means free tickets or creative promotions. If we can't do it with the staff we have, then let's hire the right people. We need a staff that can recruit; legitimately recruit. If not, then let's hire the right people.

When Lovie was hired there wasn't much to sell, and although Lovie didn't work out I think that was a relatively great hire. Bielema at the time, I think was a great hire, and still may be. The calculus has changed since then. When Lovie was hired we were making marginally more than schools in the PAC/B12/ACC from TV, and earning less revenue from non-TV sources. That's a tough sell. I credit Whitman for engaging the donors, and getting facilities upgraded as monumental tribute to donor support.

Since then Kevin Warren cashed a TV lottery ticket for us, and in my opinion everything has changed. This whole conference realignment with the PAC is largely because of the deal Kevin Warren pulled off. Teams in other conferences saw those numbers, and were like "F it, we can't compete with that. We're out". As @illinistephen mentioned FSU, Miami, and Clemson are publicly advertising their terror over how big of a disadvantage they're at, and are afraid of being unable to maintain the status quo. Their perceived disadvantage is our advantage.

I'm not arguing that we should be in the national title conversation, or even competing for BIG championships. I'm saying we should be elevating our program above the teams we have a $50 million advantage on. There is no excuse in my opinion not to.

 

[Illini2010-11]

I don't think we need to win consistently before players like the Nebraska recruit who de-committed find Illinois a desirable program. I think its all about the people. We need to get people that can sell this idea before its a reality, and we have the bank account to make it happen. We need to get marketing and business people who can fill the stadium even if it means free tickets or creative promotions. If we can't do it with the staff we have, then let's hire the right people. We need a staff that can recruit; legitimately recruit. If not, then let's hire the right people.

You seem to bring this point up nearly every week. You can get creative with promotions and "free tickets" all you want; but the fact remains, unless you are winning, no amount of free tickets or promotions will draw enough fans in the stands for your unrealistic expectations. When the Blackhawks tanked, fans did not show up even with creative promotions; Sox gave free tickets to a game at end of year and park was still empty; Cubs and Bulls struggle to get fans in attendance when bad, and the list goes on. What ultimately fills the stadium close to capacity is winning or the perception of winning consistently. People have better things to do on Saturday than watching a bad product on the field.

Free tickets sounds good in theory, but it has plenty of drawbacks as well. The primary one being angering people who paid to go (i.e. season ticket holders), as well as the perception that we can't even fill the stands with giving away free tickets. Honestly, I think the biggest key is building upon the creative pre-game events in Grange Grove and let winning take care of the attendance issue.

It takes time to achieve the attendance issue, and progress is being made. If we can stack a few consecutive bowl games and reasonable ticket prices, I expect Memorial Stadium to be regularly packed. Attendance generally lags winning by a year or two. That is why this season is so important to go bowling.

 

[chiefini]

You seem to bring this point up nearly every week. You can get creative with promotions and "free tickets" all you want; but the fact remains, unless you are winning, no amount of free tickets or promotions will draw enough fans in the stands for your unrealistic expectations. When the Blackhawks tanked, fans did not show up even with creative promotions; Sox gave free tickets to a game at end of year and park was still empty; Cubs and Bulls struggle to get fans in attendance when bad, and the list goes on. What ultimately fills the stadium close to capacity is winning or the perception of winning consistently. People have better things to do on Saturday than watching a bad product on the field.

Free tickets sounds good in theory, but it has plenty of drawbacks as well. The primary one being angering people who paid to go (i.e. season ticket holders), as well as the perception that we can't even fill the stands with giving away free tickets. Honestly, I think the biggest key is building upon the creative pre-game events in Grange Grove and let winning take care of the attendance issue.

It takes time to achieve the attendance issue, and progress is being made. If we can stack a few consecutive bowl games and reasonable ticket prices, I expect Memorial Stadium to be regularly packed. Attendance generally lags winning by a year or two. That is why this season is so important to go bowling.

Excellent points, Illini2010-11, especially the bolded. I’m on the Illini Fan Council, and we have an excellent assistant AD and administration and marketing team who are trying everything they can think of to fill the stadium. They not only listen to their donors, season ticket holders, and fans, but aggressively seek input, resulting in decreasing season ticket prices to start low and increase sales this season. Free give aways and then lowering prices later definitely anger those who have paid early on. Family packs, improvements in concessions, and pregame cheap beer sales are a few of the suggestions that have been implemented. I have brought up the discussion of the lack of beer sales in Grange Grove (from complaints on IL), and DIA is working on a solution, but the vendors and licensing is currently an issue. Getting more students, especially those from fraternities and sororities, into the stadium is also a priority, but Block at the bars is a huge stumbling “block.” Anyone who has any other constructive ideas or suggestions is welcome to PM me, and I’ll bring them up at our next meeting. Anyone who wants to be part of the council can make an application to join here: https://fightingillini.com/sports/2015/6/30/fancouncil.aspx

 

[kyillinifan]

Chief I was recently interviewed by Elevate Sports. Asked me questions about fan experience. I shared a few suggestions. Enjoyed being interviewed.

 

[redwingillini11]

I almost forgot!

Week 8 College Football Bowl Projections: Brett McMurphy's Updated Predictions With Projected Spreads

Read for Week 8 college football bowl projections, including Brett McMurphy's updated predictions with projected spreads.

www.actionnetwork.com

Quick Lane Bowl
Dec. 26 •
Detroit, MI

Illinois
-5

Miami OH

ESPN releases 2023 College Football Playoff, full bowl projections after Week 7

ESPN has released its complete College Football Playoff and bowl projections following Week 7 of the season.

www.on3.com

Guaranteed Rate Bowl
Chase Field (Phoenix)
9 p.m., ESPN and the ESPN App
Bonagura: Illinois vs. Iowa State

Well there isn't much here, but I didn't think that I would have anything to post this week anyway!

 

[BWBW]

What? No Pinstripe Bowl?

 

[Illini2010-11]

I almost forgot!

Week 8 College Football Bowl Projections: Brett McMurphy's Updated Predictions With Projected Spreads

Read for Week 8 college football bowl projections, including Brett McMurphy's updated predictions with projected spreads.

www.actionnetwork.com

Quick Lane Bowl
Dec. 26 •
Detroit, MI

Illinois
-5

Miami OH

ESPN releases 2023 College Football Playoff, full bowl projections after Week 7

ESPN has released its complete College Football Playoff and bowl projections following Week 7 of the season.

www.on3.com

Guaranteed Rate Bowl
Chase Field (Phoenix)
9 p.m., ESPN and the ESPN App
Bonagura: Illinois vs. Iowa State

Well there isn't much here, but I didn't think that I would have anything to post this week anyway!

Win on Saturday, and the Illini will be back in virtually all bowl projections.

I have @BZuppke's unwavering optimism for Saturday, so expect a longer list next week.

 

[Navy_illini]

Excellent points, Illini2010-11, especially the bolded. I’m on the Illini Fan Council, and we have an excellent assistant AD and administration and marketing team who are trying everything they can think of to fill the stadium. They not only listen to their donors, season ticket holders, and fans, but aggressively seek input, resulting in decreasing season ticket prices to start low and increase sales this season. Free give aways and then lowering prices later definitely anger those who have paid early on. Family packs, improvements in concessions, and pregame cheap beer sales are a few of the suggestions that have been implemented. I have brought up the discussion of the lack of beer sales in Grange Grove (from complaints on IL), and DIA is working on a solution, but the vendors and licensing is currently an issue. Getting more students, especially those from fraternities and sororities, into the stadium is also a priority, but Block at the bars is a huge stumbling “block.” Anyone who has any other constructive ideas or suggestions is welcome to PM me, and I’ll bring them up at our next meeting. Anyone who wants to be part of the council can make an application to join here: https://fightingillini.com/sports/2015/6/30/fancouncil.aspx

Move students back to their original seats and have frats and sororities leadership talk to the DIA and figure out what would get them in the stadium