Illini Football 2025

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#152      
Excited Fired Up GIF by Fighting Illini Athletics
 
#154      
All O/B prejudice aside, Altmyer is arguably the best returning QB in 2025, and I would take him over every other B1G QB . Even though the stats didn’t stay on pace from the first half of the season, his command of the offense, the leadership he provided, and the
command he instilled in the offense was always noticeable.
It’s hilarious that anyone can post these lists like they are experts. Did this guy forget Dylan Raiola and Aidan Chiles?? Two young guys that showed a lot and should be on this list .
 
#155      
I know a lot of people like him and nobody can question his commitment to the Illini (especially on a "years served" basis, lol), but it has always irked me that Loren Tate's writing style itself seems to lend itself to less-than-optimism. Even when writing about something good, every fiber of his being as a journalist is dying to throw in a "But, will it last?" or something like that. While having no ill will toward the guy himself, it has always led me to kind of hate his material.

Talk about two sellouts at Memorial Stadium? Tate will spend three paragraphs talking about how bad it used to be and one sentence seeming anywhere near excited, lol. JMO, of course...
Before Illinois Loyalty there were basically 2 places to get all the Illini recruiting news, inside scoop on firings, and coaching searches, and all the other ups and downs of Illini sports: Loren Tate most days in the N-G and then Loren Tate on Saturday Sportsline that he and Turpin started. I know some people think he was a crank, but for many he was the insider without the benefit of anonymity, and just like we don't always like what they have to say now, I think we got the most accurate take on what was happening and kept our Illini fire stoked. He seemed to have pretty good, mutually respectful relationships with all the AD's and some of the coaches, especially Lou. I know I will miss a lot of his historical perspective and old-time stories some day. I really have to tip my hat to him for still being in a vocation in a totally transformed industry.
 
#156      
Before Illinois Loyalty there were basically 2 places to get all the Illini recruiting news, inside scoop on firings, and coaching searches, and all the other ups and downs of Illini sports: Loren Tate most days in the N-G and then Loren Tate on Saturday Sportsline that he and Turpin started. I know some people think he was a crank, but for many he was the insider without the benefit of anonymity, and just like we don't always like what they have to say now, I think we got the most accurate take on what was happening and kept our Illini fire stoked. He seemed to have pretty good, mutually respectful relationships with all the AD's and some of the coaches, especially Lou. I know I will miss a lot of his historical perspective and old-time stories some day. I really have to tip my hat to him for still being in a vocation in a totally transformed industry.
They were definitely close, especially after Lou retired. My family has a long-held tradition of going to Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy the day after Christmas, and many times over the years we saw Tate and Lou there together with friends or family having lunch together.
 
#163      
All right, @Dan, move if you think there is a good place for this, but check out this football my son got from my grandma. No idea why she had this or where she got it, but it’s cool. My guess is my her brother knew someone..he was a high school head football coach who was actually Ricky Williams head coach in HS out in San Diego.

View attachment 38831View attachment 38832
I have the same ball somewhere. Grew up looking at it on a shelf in the family room. At least I think I still do… I’d better. Otherwise I’ll need to know who the brother knew and have a little chat… I didn’t give it to a coach from SD
 
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#166      


Let's ignore the Altmyer ranking and focus on the rest - Dante Moore's ranking is heavily anchored to his school and surrounding talent. He was disappointing at UCLA, has played no meaningful snaps since, and suddenly he's the second best QB in B1G?

Repeat everything I just said about Moore and replace with Maiava. Sayin has 12 career passing attempts. Underwood has never taken a college snap.
 
#167      
I’ll take Luke Altmyer, a successful third year starter in the same system, over an overrated Drew Allar, and a unproven Dante Moore. Allar was steady behind a good OL, but unspectacular imo(and that ND game is still fresh in my mind). Moore was ok as a true freshman at UCLA, but hardly played this year at Oregon. The Oregon system definitely raises his floor, but I’m all in on an experienced Altmyer and his intangibles.
 
#168      
Let's ignore the Altmyer ranking and focus on the rest - Dante Moore's ranking is heavily anchored to his school and surrounding talent. He was disappointing at UCLA, has played no meaningful snaps since, and suddenly he's the second best QB in B1G?

Repeat everything I just said about Moore and replace with Maiava. Sayin has 12 career passing attempts. Underwood has never taken a college snap.
Keene might even be the starter at Michigan in Week 1. The two lists posted in this thread for top Big Ten QBs are laughable.
 
#171      
I’ll take Luke Altmyer, a successful third year starter in the same system, over an overrated Drew Allar, and a unproven Dante Moore. Allar was steady behind a good OL, but unspectacular imo(and that ND game is still fresh in my mind). Moore was ok as a true freshman at UCLA, but hardly played this year at Oregon. The Oregon system definitely raises his floor, but I’m all in on an experienced Altmyer and his intangibles.
I've never understood all the Allar love. I don't break down every PSU game but when I do watch him play he doesn't impress much other than some tough running at times. When Illinois played them this season, they did the Illini a favor every time they passed.
 
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